Sprinkler controller with dial position for each function and program content display position

Abstract

A controller for use in an irrigation system includes a selector, an indicator associated with the selector for identifying parameters selected to be set for use in controlling the irrigation system, indicia positioned on a top surface of the controller which cooperate with the selector to indicate the parameter being selected and a display for displaying information regarding the selected parameters; wherein the indicator includes a program display position for displaying information regarding all parameters related to a selected program of operation of the controller.

1 . A controller for use in an irrigation system comprises: 
 a selector;    an indicator associated with the selector for identifying parameters selected to be set for use in controlling the irrigation system;    indicia positioned on a top surface of the controller which cooperate with the selector to indicate the parameter being selected; and    a display for displaying information regarding the selected parameters; wherein the indicator includes a program display position for displaying information regarding all parameters related to a selected program of operation of the controller.    
   
   
       2 . The controller of  claim 1 , wherein the parameters include day of the week, watering start time, sprinkler station number, current date and current time.  
   
   
       3 . The controller of  claim 2 , wherein the selected program of operation indicates at least one day of the week, at least one start time and at least one sprinkler station number to be activated by the controller in accordance with the selected program of operation.  
   
   
       4 . The controller of  claim 3 , wherein the selected program of operation is one of a plurality of programs of operation executable by the controller.  
   
   
       5 . The controller of  claim 4 , further comprising a switch operable to select the selected program of operation from the plurality of programs of operation.  
   
   
       6 . The controller of  claim 5 , further comprising a plurality of buttons operable to input information into the controller.  
   
   
       7 . The controller of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of buttons are operable to set specific values for the selected parameter.  
   
   
       8 . The controller of  claim 7 , further comprising a rain sensor switch operable to enable a rain switch input to the controller.  
   
   
       9 . The controller of  claim 1 , wherein the selector is a rotary switch and the associated indicator is a dial.