Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS)
Product Specifications
CS411W (Spring 2003)
Old Dominion University
By:
Kenneth Belkofer
Christopher Garrett
Justin Haffey
Herbert Piland
Suwena Tham
Cort Tompkins
Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
Copyright © 2003, ILCS Corp. Norfolk, Virginia, USA.
The information in this manual is for information purposes only and is subject to change without notice.
ILCS Corp. makes no warranty of any kind with regards to the information contained in this manual,
including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. ILCS
Corp. shall not be liable for errors contained herein nor for incidental or consequential damages from the
furnishing of this information.
No part of this manual may be copied, reproduced, recorded, transmitted or translated without the
express written permission of ILCS Corp.
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
1
LIMITED WARRANTY
ILCS Corp. warrants to the owner that each ILCS is free from defects in material and workmanship and
agrees to repair or replace under this warranty any defective device as follows from the original date of
purchase.
2 YEARS Parts and 1 YEAR Labor – when used for household purposes.
1 YEAR Parts and 6 MONTHS Labor – when used for commercial purposes.
This warranty is transferable. The warranty does not cover damage or liability caused by improper
handling, improper maintenance, or the use of the ILCS in a way other than that specifically
recommended by ILCS Corp. for this system. Additionally, this warranty does not cover annual or
periodic maintenance other than the six month post installation operational check. This warranty does not
cover predelivery setup or normal adjustments explained in the user’s manual except for the six-month
post installation operational check.
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH
VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
NO CLAIMS FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES WILL BE ALLOWED AND THERE ARE
NO OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES EXCEPT THOSE EXPRESSLY STIPULATED HEREIN.
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS OR
THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATIONS OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE
ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
ILCS Corp’s., policy is to continuously improve its products. Therefore, ILCS Corp. reserves the right to
change, modify, or discontinue models, designs, specifications, and accessories of all products at any
time without notice or obligation to any purchaser.
ILCS Corp. shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential, or other damage alleged
in connection with the furnishing or use of its product.
The software which accompanies this product is the property of ILCS Corp. The software is licensed for
use, not sold.
ILCS Corp., nor any of the companies listed in this document assume no liability resulting from the use of
this specification.
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
LIMITED WARRANTY ...................................................................................................... 3
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................................... 5
3
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................. 7
PROBLEM DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................................... 7
SOLUTION................................................................................................................................. 7
Processor ................................................................................................................................ 9
User Interface ......................................................................................................................... 9
Sensors .................................................................................................................................. 10
Chemical Tank(s) .................................................................................................................. 11
Knowledge-Based Database ................................................................................................. 11
Historical Database .............................................................................................................. 12
Decision Maker ..................................................................................................................... 12
User Settings ......................................................................................................................... 13
User Interface Software ........................................................................................................ 13
Technical Interface ............................................................................................................... 13
Driver .................................................................................................................................... 13
4
HARDWARE ...................................................................................................................... 14
SPRINKLER INTERFACE ...................................................................................................... 14
PROCESSOR............................................................................................................................ 14
USER INTERFACE.................................................................................................................. 16
Touchpad............................................................................................................................... 16
LED ....................................................................................................................................... 16
SENSORS ................................................................................................................................. 17
Rain Sensor ........................................................................................................................... 17
Anemometer .......................................................................................................................... 18
Moisture Sensor .................................................................................................................... 18
pH Sensor .............................................................................................................................. 18
Nitrogen (N) Sensor .............................................................................................................. 19
Phosphate (P) Sensor ............................................................................................................ 19
Potassium (K) Sensor ............................................................................................................ 20
CHEMICAL TANK(S) ............................................................................................................. 20
5
SOFTWARE ........................................................................................................................ 21
DATABASE OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................... 21
KNOWLEDGE-BASED DATABASE .................................................................................... 22
HISTORICAL DATABASE..................................................................................................... 22
DECISION MAKER ................................................................................................................. 23
USER SETTINGS ..................................................................................................................... 23
USER INTERFACE SOFTWARE ........................................................................................... 24
TECHNICAL INTERFACE ..................................................................................................... 24
DRIVER .................................................................................................................................... 24
LYNX Board Specifications................................................................................................... 25
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
Driver Modifications ............................................................................................................. 25
6
INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................ 26
7
PARTS LIST ....................................................................................................................... 27
8
TO THE CUSTOMERS ..................................................................................................... 29
9
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................... 31
10
INDEX.............................................................................................................................. 34
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
3
INTRODUCTION
PROBLEM DESCRIPTION
Current lawn care practices vary from one homeowner to another. There are numerous sources of lawn
care publications to help the homeowner. But unfortunately, most provide differing (sometimes
contradictory) directions. Most of the published instructions to achieve and maintain a quality residential
lawn require intensive labor, tend to use excessive fresh water and fertilizer additives, and are often only
marginally effective in maintaining an attractive lawn.
SOLUTION
The Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) is designed and developed to reduce or eliminate these
problems. The ILCS functions to:

Analyze the conditions of the lawn soil on a daily basis,

Obtain the environmental conditions on a daily basis,

Determine when water and fertilizers are required,

Calculate the minimum water and fertilizer requirements, and

Control the activation times of the lawn’s sprinkling system and fertilizer additives
to maintain a strong, healthy, and attractive residential lawn.
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
The hardware components of the ILCS consist of:

Sprinkler interface

Processor

User interface

Sensors

Chemical tank(s)
The software components of the ILCS consist of:

Knowledge-based database

Historical database

Decision maker

User settings

User interface software

Technical interface

Driver
Figure 1 Components of the Intelligent Lawn Care System.
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
Sprinkler Interface
The sprinkler interface functions to control both the sprinkler system (when it is turned on and off)
and the chemical tank(s) (when the chemicals should be dispersed). It provides an interface with
the ILCS processor, all the sensors, and with the pre-existing sprinkler system. ILCS is designed
to be incorporated with any sprinkler system that is commercially available and installed at the
residential home. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to have a sprinkler system installed. The
sprinkler interface is linked to the ILCS processor and works by receiving signals from the
processor, or transmitting signals to the processor.
Processor
The processor for the ILCS will be mounted on a single board computer. It contains the software
system for the ILCS. The processor is Intel compatible and is equipped with a modem and serial
ports. The processor controls and monitors the entire system.
User Interface
The user interface is a touchpad device that is mounted on a wall outside the residential home.
This user interface will allow the homeowner to program the system to suit his own lawn. The
interface utilizes a combination of a simple vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) and a light emitting
diode (LED) to display the current status of the lawn system. The VFD is a typical display that is
commonly used in microwaves and videocassette recorders for easy readability.
The four LEDs on the user interface will alert the user of the different statuses that the system is
in:

Green (All clear), signaling that the system is operating normally.

Blue (Notice), signaling that the system is about to begin an activity.
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications

Orange (Caution), signaling that the system has identified a situation that may
develop into a problem.

Red (Warning), signaling that the system is experiencing difficulties that are halting
its operations.
The VFD is a simple text display. The buttons available on the user interface will allow for user
input and/or control. Basic control operations like on and off, and delay functions will be
incorporated into the user interface.
Sensors
The environmental sensors of the ILCS consist of a rain sensor, and anemometer (or wind
sensor). These sensors function to obtain the environmental conditions in different time
increments. The rain sensor will be polled by the system in increments of 5 minutes. The wind
sensor will monitor the environmental conditions in increments of 30 minutes. This data is then
transmitted to the ILCS processor to be stored in the database for further use. This data will be
used to determine if water and/or the chemicals1 are needed.
The soil sensors consist of a moisture sensor, a pH sensor, and individual sensors to measure
Nitrogen2, Phosphate3, and Potassium4. These sensors work together to measure the amount of
moisture in the soil, test the pH of the soil, and measure the amounts of Nitrogen, Phosphate, and
Potassium in the soil. The moisture level in the soil will be obtained in interims of 30 minutes.
The remaining data from the soil sensor will be collected in interims of 24 hours. This data is
transmitted to the ILCS computer and is stored in the database. This data is utilized with the data
gathered from the environmental sensors to determine if water and/or the chemicals are needed,
and the ideal quantities of each.
1
Chemicals refer to the contents of the ILCS tanks (fertilizer, acid material, base material, etc.).
Nitrogen promotes lush growth and color of lawns.
3
Phosphate is important for the growth of trees and leafy vegetables.
4
Potassium is important for the growth of flowers, gardens, and shrubs.
2
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
Chemical Tank(s)
The chemical tank(s) in the system contain fertilizer, acid material 5, and base material6 for the
soil. Each chemical is stored in its own tank. These tank(s) serve to disperse their contents over
the lawn when given the signal to. These tank(s) are equipped with electronic metering pumps 7,
and digital electronic flowmeters8 that are installed in the main irrigation line. The ILCS processor
controls the chemical tank(s) by transmitting signals to the sprinkler interface when the contents
of the tank(s) are to be dispersed. These tanks are also equipped with level sensors that function
to detect the level of the chemical contents in the tank(s). If the contents fall below a certain
level, a signal will be sent to the ILCS processor to signal that the tank(s) need to be refilled.
These tank(s) will reside aboveground. Professional personnel will be responsible for refilling the
chemical tank(s.) Homeowners who opt to refill the tank(s) themselves will be equipped with the
proper instructions to do so in the User Manual.
Knowledge-Based Database
The function of the knowledge-based database of the ILCS is to store two sets of data. The first
set of data is the basic information about a particular lawn that would include information
pertaining to the grass type, plant/shrubbery type, soil type, moisture level in the soil, amount of
nutrients needed in the soil, and pH of the soil. Some of this data (like grass type,
plant/shrubbery type, and soil type) will be entered into the database through the user interface.
All other data is obtained from the environmental and soil sensors of the ILCS and transmitted to
the database for storage. This data will be used as part of a decision-making algorithm that
assists in maintaining the lawn. For lawns that are divided into different sections called zones 9,
Acid materials (like sulphur) help to maintain the soil’s acidity level.
Base materials (like lime) help to maintain the soil’s alkalinity level.
7
The electronic metering pump controls the speed of chemical injection and dispenses only the precise amount needed.
8
The flowmeter measures the water flow rate.
9
A zone is a portion of the lawn that has similar terrain and grass/plant types.
5
6
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
the layout of these zones will also be programmed into the database to facilitate the care of the
lawn. The acid material and base material will be preprogrammed to disperse on certain cycles.
The second set of data in the ILCS database is a set of “rules” that dictates the requirements of a
strong, healthy, and attractive lawn. Examples of data representing the “rules” of the ILCS
product include proper pH levels for a certain type of soil, proper moisture levels for a certain
grass type, and how often fertilizer should be added to the lawn. This data, along with the first set
of data mentioned above, will be used as part of a decision-making algorithm that assists in
maintaining the lawn.
Historical Database
The historical database of the ILCS serves to record historical data of the system such as, daily
readings, daily actions taken by the system based on the readings, and the effectiveness of these
actions. This database is to provide the system with a self-correcting feature to modify its actions
(if the actions did not achieve the desired results for the lawn). This will ensure that the goals of
the system, which is to provide a healthy, strong, and attractive lawn, is achieved.
Decision Maker
The decision-making algorithms will be pre-programmed into the ILCS. These algorithms work
with the two sets of data stored in the database to perform calculations and determine if the lawn
is in a healthy state. An example of some of the calculations performed by the algorithm is, does
the lawn need to be watered, when does it need to be watered, and the amount of water that
should be dispensed in order for the lawn to have the correct moisture level, and the time
required for the sprinkler system to run. These algorithms ensure that the lawn is always kept in
its best condition.
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
User Settings
The user settings will allow the homeowner to set information such as the preferred watering time
for the lawn, and the geographic location of the lawn. These settings are entered through the
user interface of the system and provide the homeowner with control over his system.
User Interface Software
The software user interface for the ILCS software will be a simple text-based interface that will
allow the user to input the data that is required for ILCS to function optimally. Basic controls like
on and off, and delay functions will allow the user to have some basic control over the ILCS.
Technical Interface
The technical interface will provide the system with upgrading and repairing (through diagnostics)
features. This will ensure that the system will always be utilizing the latest technology for
producing optimum results.
Driver
Drivers will be provided for the ILCS hardware components such as the sensors, valves (for the
chemical tanks), ILCS sprinkler interface, and the modem on the ILCS processor. These drivers
function to provide the interface to all the hardware components.
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
4
HARDWARE
SPRINKLER INTERFACE
The sprinkler interface for the ILCS is a multi-RS232 serial port board. Optional sprinkler interface boards
that are also compatible and suitable for achieving the purpose (provide an interface to all the hardware
components) of the system are listed in the Parts List section of this document.

Vendor: LYNX

Part Number: 1154

Price: $239.95

Features:
1. Automated computer control of sprinklers, garage doors, HVAC systems, thermostats,
sump pumps, audio components and more
2. Works with X10 security systems and X10 motion sensors
3. Features 8 DPDT relays, 8 digital inputs, and 4 analog 8-bit inputs for expanded control
4. Control outputs & read inputs using RS232 or X10
5. Programmable timer capabilities for each relay
6. LED status indicators for inputs, relays and activity
PROCESSOR

Vendor: package2you.com

Part number: 30-1017

Price: $12.00

Description: Intel Pentium 200MHz MMX CPU Processor (Socket 7)
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
The processor for the ILCS will be mounted on a single board computer:

Vendor: Gorilla Systems, Inc.

Part number: GORROCKY-538TX

Price: $354.00

Features
1. CPU: Socket-7 base CPU up to 66MHz FSB (Intel Pentium MMX, AMD K6, etc.)
2. External Cache Memory: 512KB
3. System Memory: 2 168-ping DIMM sockets (256MB SDRAM)
4. System Chipset: Intel 430TX chipset
5. Super I/O:
i.
2 RS-232 ports
ii.
1 parallel port (supports SPP/EPP/ECP modes)
iii.
IrDA port
6. USB: 2 ports by pin-header (USB1.1)
7. IDE: Dual Ultra DMA33 interface with two 40-pin pin-header
8. FDD: 1 port
9. Watchdog Timer
10. SSD: 4 DiskOnChip sockets
11. ISAPLUS
12. E2Key: non-volatile 1Kbit EEPROM
13. ATX power control function support
14. Power Consumption (Pentium® MMX 200MHz CPU and 32MB SDRAM)
i.
4.5A at +5V
ii.
170mA at +12V
iii.
20mA at -12V
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
USER INTERFACE
The user interface is a touchpad device with a text display (no more than six lines), keypad, and four
colored LEDs.
Touchpad
The touchpad will be custom-made by Electrone Americas Ltd., Co. The touchpad will include an
array of buttons, namely:

Digits 0 to 9, including a decimal

Arrow buttons for “Left,” “Right,” “Up,” and “Down”

Buttons to suit the purposes of the ILCS: “Power,” “Enter,” “Config,” and “Standby”
LED

Color: Red

Vendor: Hewlett-Packard

Model: HLMP-C116

Manufacturer: Newark Electronics

Price: $0.40

Color: Blue

Vendor: Electronics Goldmine

Part number: G9831

Price: $0.69

Bulk purchase (100 units): $59.00 total

Color: Orange

Vendor: Toshiba
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications

Model: TLOA180P

Manufacturer/Part number: Hosfelt Electronics/25-277

Price: $0.75

Color: Green

Vendor: Toyoda Gosei

Part number: E1L51-3G

Price: $2.00
SENSORS
All sensors must be able to interface with the sprinkler interface board. The basic function of all the
sensors in ILCS is to obtain the environmental and soil conditions of the lawn at certain pre-programmed
time interims. Optional sensors that are also compatible with the ILCS are available and listed in the
Parts List section of this document.
Rain Sensor

Vendor: LYNX

Part Number: 7194

Price: $28.95

Bulk Purchase: Not available

Features:
1. Includes 25 feet of 20-gauge two-conductor wire
2. For Normally Open and Normally Closed circuits
3. Hygroscopic disks absorb water and simulate the drying of the turf
4. Adjustable rest rate
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
5. Works with all mechanical sprinkler controllers
Anemometer

Vendor: LYNX

Part Number: 7196

Price: $69.95

Bulk Purchase: Not available

Features:
1. Automatically shuts off the sprinklers during high winds
2. Saves water and avoids mess
3. Notifies the sprinkler interface board when winds increase
4. Resets sprinklers when wind levels drop
Moisture Sensor

Vendor: LYNX

Part Number: 19104

Price: $294.95

Bulk Purchase: N/A

Features:
1. Determines temperature or humidity at seven locations throughout the property
2. Minimize the risk to skin cancer and sunburns with a sensor that measures UV rays
3. Protects gardens, plants and crops from over- or under-watering
pH Sensor
The pH sensor is used to measure the acidity and/or alkalinity of the soil. The data collected
through the sensor will be transmitted to the ILCS processor for storage in the database. The
ILCS processor then will use this measurement during its decision-making process to determine if
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
acid material or base material is needed to increase or decrease the soil pH during watering, and
if so, how much is needed. The pH sensor must be able to connect to and communicate with the
sprinkler interface board, and perform functions as detailed above. Currently, no known
compatible sensor is available. Many pH sensors available commercially today is similar to the
one originally chosen for the ILCS (from growsystems.com for $23). Upon further consideration,
a custom designed sensor would be more suitable for the system. DeltaTRAK, Inc. manufactures
a pH monitor that can be modified for our system. The pHoenix Electrode Company specializes
in manufacturing pH electrodes for special purpose systems like the ILCS.
Nitrogen (N) Sensor
The Nitrogen sensor is used to measure the amount of N in the soil. The data collected through
the sensor will be transmitted to the ILCS processor for storage in the database. The ILCS
processor then will use this measurement during its decision-making process to determine if a
chemical to increase or decrease N during watering is needed, and if so, how much is needed.
The Nitrogen sensor must be able to connect to and communicate with the sprinkler interface
board, and perform functions as detailed above. Currently, no known compatible sensor is
available. An alternate approach would be to have the sensor custom manufactured. Crop
Technology, Inc. has a sensing system that has capabilities similar to the one required for the
Nitrogen sensor. This shows that the Nitrogen sensor can be manufactured.
Phosphate (P) Sensor
The Phosphate sensor is used to measure the amount of P in the soil. The data collected
through the sensor will be transmitted to the ILCS processor for storage in the database. The
ILCS processor then will use this measurement during its decision-making process to determine if
a chemical to increase or decrease P during watering is needed, and if so, how much is needed..
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
The Phosphate sensor must be able to connect to and communicate with the sprinkler interface
board, and perform functions as detailed above. Currently, no known compatible sensor is
available. An alternate approach would be to have the sensor custom manufactured. Crop
Technology, Inc. has a sensing system that has capabilities similar to the one required for the
Phosphate sensor. This shows that the Phosphate sensor can be manufactured.
Potassium (K) Sensor
The Potassium sensor is used to measure the amount of K in the soil. The data collected through
the sensor will be transmitted to the ILCS processor for storage in the database. The ILCS
processor then will use this measurement during its decision-making process to determine if a
chemical to increase or decrease K during watering is needed, and if so, how much is needed..
The Potassium sensor must be able to connect to and communicate with the sprinkler interface
board, and perform functions as detailed above. Currently, no known compatible sensor is
available. An alternate approach would be to have the sensor custom manufactured. Crop
Technology, Inc. has a sensing system that has capabilities similar to the one required for the
Potassium sensor. This shows that the Potassium sensor can be manufactured.
CHEMICAL TANK(S)

Vendor: TechTurf

Part Number: Various

Price: Various

Bulk Purchase: N/A

Features: 35 gallon (65, 125, 225 gallon, and larger tanks are also available.)
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
5
SOFTWARE
This section describes the general requirements for the software system of the ILCS. The software will be
custom-designed based on these requirements.
DATABASE OVERVIEW
Two database instances must be constructed. One instance will be the knowledge-based database
containing information about soil and grass types. The other will be the historical database, which stores
sensor readings, and actions taken based on those readings. Both databases will interact with the
decision-making algorithm. Readings from the historical database will be checked against the
knowledge-based database, and the system will adjust daily for efficiency.
Each of the database instances should be developed on a standard Relational Database Management
System (RDMS). Although the type of database software to be used will be left up to the contractor, the
database must be able to do the following:
1. Store and execute procedures efficiently
2. Store and use triggers
3. Store and use sequences
4. Maintain a backup log daily
5. Allow queries in Structured Query Language (SQL) based on current SQL standards
6. Cascade for integrity
7. Cluster index the stored information
8. Be Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) compliant
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
KNOWLEDGE-BASED DATABASE
The knowledge-based requirements will be left generalized, but must be able to handle the requirements
laid out in this section.
The knowledge-based database must be able to handle information on a large number of soil and grass
types. It must relate both to their optimal levels of moisture, pH, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash.
Triggers must be programmed to handle updates to or additions of soil and grass types. The triggers
must maintain integrity across tablespaces to avoid spurious tuples. When necessary, Primary Key fields
must employ a trigger and a sequence for automatic numbering. Stored procedures for updates and
additions to all tables and field must be programmed. Procedure for drops and deletions is also
necessary, but must be accessible only with separate administrative credentials.
HISTORICAL DATABASE
The historical database must be able to handle information on a small number of soil and grass types.
This includes information on pH, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potash. It must be able to relate these items
together based on the same method used in the knowledge-based instance. The information should be
Keyed by date and time. It should also be optimized for indexing based on date and time. It should also
store information on daily readings. The readings consist of pH, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potash
levels. It also contains information about the actions taken to achieve these levels. It must store accrued
effectiveness ratios for each action taken. Tables should not have to be autonumbered. Stored
procedures for inserts, updates, and deletions must be included.
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
DECISION MAKER
The decision making software, or expert system, is the heart of the ILCS, and serves two major functions:
Primarily, this expert system must make the basic decisions about the ILCS actions, based on a
combination of input from sensors, the Internet (for weather information), the user and technical
interfaces, the databases, and the user settings. These decisions will be based on a set of rules and
limits derived from the grass and soil type of the zone, as well as basic gardening knowledge. If the
situation warrants, the expert system must be able to initiate water or chemical applications (and warn the
user of these, through the interface) as needed to correct detected problems. The expert system must
keep detailed records (in the historical database) not only of what actions it performs, but why. To enact
these decisions, the expert system must be able to communicate with all hardware components of the
ILCS.
The secondary function of the expert system is self-analysis and correction, mostly in conjunction with the
historical database. The expert system must be able to review its own performance, making corrections
when necessary. For example, if it expects watering a zone for 30 minutes to increase the moisture
reading there by X, and X is exceeded, next time, it will “remember” this and try watering for perhaps only
25 minutes.
USER SETTINGS
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
USER INTERFACE SOFTWARE
The user interface software must accept input and deliver output through the (hardware) user interface
and keys. It must provide the ability to change the ILCS' settings, including security password,
water/chemical application times, and Internet access times. It must also provide the ability to make
minor alterations to the ILCS' activity, including rescheduling or removal of pending water/chemical
applications. The user interface software must also provide information about problems/errors the ILCS is
experiencing. Finally, the interface must also permit the user to begin the ILCS' user-level diagnostic
process.
TECHNICAL INTERFACE
The technical interface software must accept input and deliver output through the (hardware) user
interface and keys. It must provide the ability to change the ILCS' more advanced settings, such as
grass/soil type, watering locations, and zones. It must also provide the maintenance crew with the ability
to make advanced-level diagnostic checks on the ILCS' performance, including access to the historical
database information. Finally, the technical interface must also provide for the uploading of software
upgrades, and the download of statistical information from the ILCS.
DRIVER
A number of drivers must be developed to support hardware components. Drivers for the system’s
modem, sensors, valves, and Lynx Board must be coded to work with the Intelligent Lawn Care System.
Software drivers must perform the following tasks to comply with production specifications:
24
Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications

Provide a vehicle for communication between the modem and the decision maker software.

Provide a vehicle for communication between the sensors and the decision maker software.

Provide a method of multicast communications between the Lynx Board and the other
mission critical software and hardware components.

Provide a vehicle for communication between the software and hardware valve status.
LYNX Board Specifications
The Lynx Board is an important part of our systems architecture. The drivers for the board must
perform close to perfect. The Drivers must give the Lynx Board the ability to “see” and work with
all of the systems components.
Driver Modifications
It is our opinion that drivers for our system can be from modified code. Using drivers previously
coded and modifying them to suit the systems needs is an acceptable practice. Modified drivers
however, should have no significant lack in performs because of unnecessary code.
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
6
INSTALLATION
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
7
PARTS LIST
Listed below are the major components of the ILCS hardware. Further information about each part is can
be obtained from the Hardware section of this document.
Component
Vendor/Manufacturer
Part Number
ILCS
ILCS, Inc.
ILCS-001
Sprinkler Interface
LYNX
1154
Processor
package2.com
30-1017
Single board computer
Gorilla Systems, Inc.
GORROCKY-538TX
Touchpad
Electrone Americas Ltd., Co.
Not available
LED
HP/Newark Electronics
HLMP-C116
Electronics Goldmine
G9831
Toshiba/Hosfelt Electronics
25-277
Toyoda Gosei
E1L51-3G
Rain sensor
LYNX
7194
Anemometer
LYNX
7196
Moisture sensor
LYNX
19104
Chemical tank(s)
TechTurf
Various
Optional/additional components for the ILCS:
Component
Sprinkler Interface
Information
Vendor: Connect Tech Inc.
Part number: BH040000
Price: $229.00
Bulk purchase (100 units): $188/board
Features: (1) Blue Heat PCI/4
(2) 4 RS232 serial ports without surge suppression
Sprinkler Interface
Vendor: Connect Tech Inc.
Part number: BH040100
Price: $261.00
Bulk purchase (100 units): $215/board
Features: (1) Blue Heat PCI/4
(2) 4 RS232 serial ports with surge suppression
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
Component
Sprinkler Interface
Information
Vendor: Connect Tech Inc.
Part number: BH080101
Price: $432.00
Bulk purchase (100 units): $386/board
Features: (1) Blue Heat PCI/8
(2) 8 RS232 serial ports with surge suppression
(3) 1 male DB9 cable
RS232 Serial Cable
Vendor: Cable Specialist & Manufacturer Inc.
Part number: CM20153-10
Price: $5.00
Description: 10ft RS232 Serial Extension Cable
Moisture sensor
Vendor: Spectrum Technologies, Inc.
(WatchDog Irrigation)
Part Number: 3680sm (two sensor) or 3685sm (three sensor)
Price: $316 or $462
Bulk Purchase: Not available
Features: (1) Monitor, compare and evaluate soil moisture from up
to three locations with a single WatchDog Data Logger
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
8
TO THE CUSTOMERS
The purpose of this document is to familiarize you with your Intelligent Lawn Care System. It is your
responsibility to “know your system” and that you recognize the importance of maintaining your system for
safety purposes. The User Manual outlines basic safety procedures for the system. It is your
responsibility to read, understand, and apply these procedures to ensure your safety and the safety of
others as well.
The user interface is equipped with LEDs that will alert you to the current system’s status. You should be
familiar with the different LED indicators and what they imply. Further information on the different
statuses can be found in the User Manual.

GREEN – All Clear : The ILCS is operating normally. Nothing at this time requires
interaction with the user.

BLUE – Notice : The ILCS will be beginning an activity soon that the user may wish to be
aware of, or interrupt. The specific message on the display screen will show what activity is
pending. Pressing any button on the user interface will acknowledge the notice and return status
to All Clear.

ORANGE – Caution: The ILCS has identified a situation that may develop into a problem. The
specific message on the display screen will give the code for the problem. This status will remain
until the problem is fixed.

RED – Warning: The ILCS is experiencing a difficulty that is halting operation. The specific
message on the display screen will give the code for the problem. This status will remain until the
problem is fixed.
There are professional personnel available to refill the chemical tank(s) when they need to be refilled. If
you choose to refill the tank(s) yourself, please follow the safety procedures outlined in the User Manual.
It is your responsibility to follow all the steps detailed in the User Manual about refilling the tank(s).
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
Should you believe that your system is unsafe for use, turn the system off and call the Help Desk
immediately at 1-800-xxx-xxxx. Do not attempt to repair the system yourself.
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
9
REFERENCES
List in this section is all the contact information for all the references used for the manufacture of the
ILCS.
Vendor/Manufacturer
SMARTHOME, Inc.
Contact Information
16542 Millikan Avenue
Irvine, CA 92606-5027
E-mail: custsvc@smarthome.com
Orders and catalog requests:
800-SMARTHOME (800-762-7846)
Website: http://www.smarthome.com/
package2you.com
101 N. Main Street
Grand Saline, TX 75140
E-mail: tonywelch@cox-internet.com
Contact (sales): 903-962-0011
Website: http://66.216.68.88/index.html
Gorilla Systems, Inc.
815 E. Bryan
Sapulpa, OK 74066
E-mail: Sales@gorilla.net
Contact: 918-277-0230
Website: http://www.gorilla.net/
Electrone Americas Ltd., Co.
2920 N.W. Boca Raton Blvd.
Suite #12
Boca Raton, FL 33431
E-mail: electrone@keyboardspecials.com
Contact: 1-800-821-9362
Website: www.electroneamericas.com
Newark Electronics
1504 Santa Rosa Road
Suite 115
Richmond, VA 23229-5104
E-mail: richmond@Newarkinone.com
Contact: 804- 282-5671
Website: http://www.newark.com/
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
Vendor/Manufacturer
Goldmine Electronics
Contact Information
PO Box 5408
Scottsdale, AZ 85261
E-mail: goldmine-elec@goldmine-elec.com
Contact: 1-800-445-0697
Website: http://www.goldmine-elec.com/
Hosfelt Electronics, Inc.
2700 Sunset Blvd
Steubenville, OH 43952-1158
E-mail: tonia@hosfelt.com
Contact: 888-264-6464
Website: http://www.hosfeltelectronics.com/
Toyoda Gosei
710 Origuchi, Shimomiyake, Heiwa, Nakashima,
Aichi, Japan 490-131
Inquiry:
www.toyoda-gosei.com/inquiry/oputeinfo.html
Contact: +81-567-46-2768
Website:
http://www.toyoda-gosei.com/led/index.html
DeltaTRAK Inc.
P.O.Box 398
Pleasanton, CA 94566
E-mail: salesinfo@deltatrak.com
Contact: 1-800-962-6776
Website: http://www.deltatrak.com/default.asp
pHoenix Electrode Company
6103 Glenmont
Houston, TX 77081
E-mail: mail@phoenixelectrode.com
Contact: 800-522-7920
Website: http://www.phoenixelectrode.com/
Crop Technology, Inc.
2868 Highway 173 North
(P.O. Box 1896 at Post Office)
Bandera, TX 78003
Contact: 803-796-8886
Website: http://www.soildoctor.com/index.html
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
Vendor/Manufacturer
TechTurf
Contact Information
P.O. Box 49426
Minneapolis, MN 55449-0426
E-mail: info@techturfsystems.com
Contact: 866-784-0490
Website: http://www.techturfsystems.com/
Connect Tech Inc.
42 Arrow Road
Guelph, Ontario
Canada
N1K 1S6
E-mail: sales@connecttech.com
Contact: 1-800-426-8979
Website: http://www.connecttech.com/
Cable Specialist & Manufacturer Inc.
1777 N. Milpitas Blvd. #318
Milpitas, CA 95035
Inquiry:
www.cablesgroup.com/catalog/contact_us.php
Contact: 510-687-1197
Website:
http://www.cablesgroup.com/catalog/default.php
Spectrum Technologies, Inc.
23839 W. Andrew Rd.
Plainfield, Illinois 60544
Email: info@specmeters.com
Contact: (800) 248-8873 or (815) 436-4440
Website: http://www.specmeters.com/
All LYNX products are available from SMARTHOME, Inc.
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Intelligent Lawn Care System (ILCS) Product Specifications
10
INDEX
34