MONITORING OF FILTERS

FIELD

This disclosure relates to monitoring of filters.

BACKGROUND

The present invention is of particular utility in the field of monitoring of filters, for example, fluid filters or with respect to domestic water supply, although various aspects of the invention may be exploited to advantage in other fields. It is desirable to have impurities removed from fluids, and to have water of good taste, high purity, and low hardness for drinking and cooking.

Filtration systems generally comprise multiple cartridge filters located within corresponding filter housings, and fluids to be filtered (influents) are supplied to the filter housings for the removal of debris, contaminants and particles. These cartridge filters generally have a cylinder shape with a hollow core. Influents are supplied to the hollow core and flowing outwards through the media of the cartridge filters, leaving debris, contaminants and particles at the surface of the media. After conducting such fluid processing for a period of time, the debris and particles will accumulate and clog the filter media, causing the drop of filter efficiency. Therefore, the cartridge must be replaced after a period of operation. The replacing of a cartridge generally involves shutting down the filtration operation and removing the cartridge and inserting a new cartridge.

Many people equip homes and businesses with water filters to provide increased water purity for their homes and businesses. In general, a water filter is a device for removing impurities in the domestic water supply.

Heretofore ion-exchange type water softeners have been the principal devices used domestically to upgrade water quality. They do so by removing the dissolved solids causing water hardness. One characteristic of ion exchange units is that they must be frequently replaced, which presents the home owner with a continuing maintenance problem.

Another type of filter system is a sediment filter system that includes a sediment filter. The sediment filter may be replaceable and is preferably a woven or non-woven fabric, more preferably a non-woven fabric having micropores. The sediment filter ensures filtration of particles generally above 3 microns.

A person replaces a water filter on a predetermined schedule or when the person perceives that the water filter is no longer capable of removing impurities, e.g., because the filter is full of impurities already removed from the water supply (i.e., the filter is “dirty”). The person may determine that the filter is dirty by visually inspecting the filter.

Another type of filter operates to control, limit, or regulate output of materials.

For example, a tube birdfeeder operates as a filter by controlling, limiting, or regulating the output of birdseed from the tube birdfeeder. Tube birdfeeders are hollow, cylindrical tubes, often made of plastic, and have multiple feeding stations spaced along the length of the tube. Typically, feeding stations include both a seed port and an adjacent perch to provide the feeding bird with a place to alight. The interior of the tube birdfeeder may have one color when the tube birdfeeder is full of birdseed, and may have a second color when the tube birdfeeder is empty of birdseed.

In another example, the interior of a liquid soap dispenser may have one color when the dispenser is full of soap, and may have a second color when the dispenser is empty of soap.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods are described for use in monitoring of filters.

Filters are monitored. Color data is determined for a filter. A filter status for the filter is derived from the color data. An action is taken based on the filter status.

Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, a method or process implemented at least partially in hardware, or a computer-readable storage medium encoded with executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform operations.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention(s) is/are illustrated by way of example and is/are not limited by the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements. Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale.

FIGS. 1-2, 4-5, 8, 10 are diagrams depicting examples of systems for use in monitoring of filters, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 3, 6-7, 9, 11 are flowcharts of methods for use with one or more of the example systems of FIGS. 1-2, 4-5, 8, 10, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A water filter is usually installed by or for a homeowner to help produce clean water for household use. Dirty water flows into the water filter and cleaner water flows out of the water filter. Impurities removed from the dirty water by the water filter accumulate in the water filter. At some point the water filter needs to be replaced because the water filter becomes full of impurities and therefore becomes ineffective at cleaning the dirty water flowing in. The homeowner can determine that the water filter needs to be replaced by viewing the color of the water filter. The water filter has one color (typically a light color) when the water filter is new, and then the color of the water filter changes (typically darkens) over time due to the accumulation of impurities in the filter.

The homeowner must check the color of the water filter frequently in order to detect when the water filter needs to be replaced. In many cases the water filter is installed in a remote area of the home, such as a basement corner, and therefore the homeowner must make a special trip to the remote area each time to check the color of the water filter. The special trip is not convenient for the homeowner, and therefore the homeowner is prone to failing to check the color of the water filter frequently enough to make sure that the water filter is replaced often enough to ensure effective cleaning of the dirty water. The homeowner may forget to check the color of the water filter, or may find that checking the color of the water filter is too inconvenient to perform frequently enough to be effective.

Techniques are described herein for use in monitoring of filters, e.g., for providing remote water filter monitoring. The techniques may combine water purity efforts with user convenience and may provide remote monitoring that improves water purity while providing an enhanced level of convenience to users.

In some implementations, a native mobile device application enables use of a mobile device to monitor one or more water filters in a home, business, vacation or other property from anywhere. The native mobile device application provides alerts related to water filter status and events that may impact user decision on water filter replacement.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of monitoring sensor data and device status. As shown, a property 110 is monitored by a monitoring system 120. The property 110 may be a residence, an office building, or any other type of property that is capable of being monitored by the monitoring system 120. The monitoring system 120 may be a local monitoring system that is located at the property and monitors device status at the property 110 through one or more sensors. The monitoring system 120 also may be remote from the property 110 and receive, over a network, sensor data from one or more sensors located at the property 110. The monitoring system 120 further may include both local components that are located at the property 110 and remote components that are located separate from the property 110 at another property.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the property 110 includes first and second levels suitable to accommodate the presence of persons 140, 160 respectively. The first level has a first filter sensor 134. The monitoring system 120 receives sensor data from the first sensor 134.

Similar to the first level, the second level has a second filter sensor 154. The monitoring system 120 also receives sensor data from the second sensor 154.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the monitoring system 120 sets status data 170A based on the status in the property 110 sensed by the sensors. The device status data 170A includes a device column 172 and a status column 174. As shown in the example of FIG. 1, the monitoring system 120 may detect that the first sensor 134 detected a dirty filter (e.g., based on the presence of a dark color of the filter) and the second sensor 154 detected a not dirty filer (e.g., based on the presence of a light color of the filter).

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an electronic system 200 configured to provide remote sensor monitoring using devices. System 200 may be the same as, or may comprise, or may be comprised within, system 120 of FIG. 1. The electronic system 200 includes a network 205, a monitoring system control unit 210, one or more mobile devices 240, 250, a monitoring application server 260, and one or more client devices 270, 280. In some examples, the network 205 facilitates communications between the monitoring system control unit 210, the one or more mobile devices 240, 250, the one or more client devices 270, 280, and the monitoring application server 260.

The network 205 is configured to enable exchange of electronic communications between devices connected to the network 205. For example, the network 205 may be configured to enable exchange of electronic communications between the monitoring system control unit 210, the one or more mobile devices 240, 250, the one or more client devices 270, 280, and the monitoring application server 260. The network 205 may include, for example, one or more of the Internet, Wide Area Networks (WANs), Local Area Networks (LANs), analog or digital wired and wireless telephone networks (e.g., a public switched telephone network (PSTN), Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), a 5G network, a cellular network, a WiFi network, and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), radio, television, cable, satellite, or any other delivery or tunneling mechanism for carrying data. Network 205 may include multiple networks or subnetworks, each of which may include, for example, a wired or wireless data pathway. The network 205 may include a circuit-switched network, a packet-switched data network, or any other network able to carry electronic communications (e.g., data or voice communications). For example, the network 205 may include networks based on the Internet protocol (IP), asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), the PSTN, packet-switched networks based on IP, X.25, or Frame Relay, or other comparable technologies and may support voice using, for example, VoIP, or other comparable protocols used for voice communications. The network 205 may include one or more networks that include wireless data channels and wireless voice channels. The network 205 may be a wireless network, a broadband network, or a combination of networks including a wireless network and a broadband network.

The monitoring system control unit 210 includes a controller 212 and a network module 214. The controller 212 is configured to control a monitoring system that includes the monitoring system control unit 210. In some examples, the controller 212 may include a processor or other control circuitry configured to execute instructions of a program that monitors. In these examples, the controller 212 may be configured to receive input from sensors 220, 222, 230 included in the system. For example, the controller 212 may be configured to control operation of the network module 214 included in the monitoring system control unit 210.

The network module 214 is a communication device configured to exchange communications over the network 205. The network module 214 may be a wireless communication module configured to exchange wireless communications over the network 205. For example, the network module 214 may be a wireless communication device configured to exchange communications over a wireless data channel and a wireless voice channel. In this example, the network module 214 may transmit sensor data over a wireless data channel and establish a two-way voice communication session over a wireless voice channel. The wireless communication device may include one or more of a GSM module, a 5G module, a WiFi unit, a radio modem, cellular transmission module, or any type of module configured to exchange communications in one of the following formats: GSM or GPRS, CDMA, EDGE or EGPRS, EVDO or EVDO, UMTS, or IP.

The network module 214 also may be a wired communication module configured to exchange communications over the network 205 using a wired connection. For instance, the network module 214 may be a modem, a network interface card, or another type of network interface device. The network module 214 may be an Ethernet network card configured to enable the monitoring system control unit 210 to communicate over a local area network and/or the Internet. The network module 214 also may be a voiceband modem configured to enable communication over the telephone lines of Plain Old Telephone Systems (POTS).

The monitoring system that includes the monitoring system control unit 210 includes one or more sensors. For example, the monitoring system may include multiple sensors. The sensors may include an optical sensing device configured to capture colors for filters in a property monitored by the monitoring system.

The monitoring system control unit 210 communicates with filter sensors 220, 222, 230 to perform monitoring of filters. One or more of sensors 220, 222, 230 may be the same as, or may comprise, or may be comprised within, one or more of sensors 134, 154 of FIG. 1. Filter sensor 220 is connected to one or more filters and is configured to help monitor dirty/not dirty status of filters. Filter sensor 220 may directly measure filter color. Filter sensor 220 may communicate filter color information to the monitoring system control unit 210.

Filter sensors 220, 222, 230 communicate with the controller 212 over communication links 224, 226, 228. The communication links 224, 226, 228 may be a wired or wireless data pathway configured to transmit signals from the filter sensors 220, 222, 230 to the controller 212. The filter sensors 220, 222, 230 may continuously transmit sensed values to the controller 212, periodically transmit sensed values to the controller 212, or transmit sensed values to the controller 212 in response to a change in a sensed value.

The monitoring application server 260 is an electronic device configured to provide monitoring services by exchanging electronic communications with the monitoring system control unit 210, the one or more mobile devices 240, 250, and the one or more client devices 270, 280 over the network 205. For example, the monitoring application server 260 may be configured to monitor events generated by the monitoring system control unit 210. In this example, the monitoring application server 260 may exchange electronic communications with the network module 214 included in the monitoring system control unit 210 to receive information regarding water filter events detected by the monitoring system control unit 210. The monitoring application server 260 also may receive information regarding events from the one or more mobile devices 240, 250.

The monitoring application server 260 may store filter sensor data received from the monitoring system and perform analysis of sensor data received from the monitoring system. Based on the analysis, the monitoring application server 260 may communicate with and control aspects of the monitoring system control unit 210, the one or more mobile devices 240, 250, or the one or more client devices 270, 280.

The one or more mobile devices 240, 250 are devices that host and display user interfaces and that host one or more native applications (e.g., the native monitoring application 242, 252). The one or more mobile devices 240, 250 may be cellular phones or non-cellular locally networked devices with displays. The one or more mobile devices 240, 250 may include a cell phone, a smart phone, a tablet PC, a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), or any other portable device configured to communicate over a network and display information. For example, implementations may also include smartphone-type devices, iPhone-type devices (e.g., as provided by Apple), other communication devices, and handheld or portable electronic devices for communications, and/or data organization. The one or more mobile devices 240, 250 may be the same or may include mobile devices of different types. The one or more mobile devices 240, 250 may perform functions unrelated to the monitoring system, such as placing personal telephone calls, playing music, playing video, displaying pictures, browsing the Internet, maintaining an electronic calendar, etc.

The one or more mobile devices 240, 250 communicate with and receive monitoring system data from the monitoring system control unit 210 using communication link 238. For instance, the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 may communicate with the monitoring system control unit 210 using various local wireless protocols such as WiFi, Bluetooth, zwave, zigbee, HomePlug (ethernet over powerline), or wired protocols such as Ethernet and USB, to connect the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 to local equipment. The one or more mobile devices 240, 250 may connect locally to the monitoring system and its sensors and other devices. The local connection may improve the speed of status communications because communicating through the network 205 with a remote server (e.g., the monitoring application server 260) may be significantly slower.

Although the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 are shown as communicating with the monitoring system control unit 210, the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 may communicate directly with the sensors 220, 222, 230 and other devices controlled by the monitoring system control unit 210. In some implementations, the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 replace the monitoring system control unit 210 and perform the functions of the monitoring system control unit 210 for local monitoring and long range/offsite communication.

In other implementations, the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 receive monitoring system data captured by the monitoring system control unit 210 through the network 205. The one or more mobile devices 240, 250 may receive the data from the monitoring system control unit 210 through the network 205 or the monitoring application server 260 may relay data received from the monitoring system control unit 210 to the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 through the network 205. In this regard, the monitoring application server 260 may facilitate communication between the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 and the monitoring system.

In some implementations, the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 may be configured to switch whether the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 communicate with the monitoring system control unit 210 directly (e.g., through link 238) or through the monitoring application server 260 (e.g., through network 205) based on a location of the one or more mobile devices 240, 250. For instance, when the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 are located close to the monitoring system control unit 210 and in range to communicate directly with the monitoring system control unit 210, the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 use direct communication. When the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 are located far from the monitoring system control unit 210 and not in range to communicate directly with the monitoring system control unit 210, the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 use communication through the monitoring application server 260.

Although the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 are shown as being connected to the network 205, in some implementations, the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 are not connected to the network 205. In these implementations, the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 communicate directly with one or more of the monitoring system components and no network (e.g., Internet) connection or reliance on remote servers is needed.

In some implementations, the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 are used in conjunction with only local sensors and/or local devices in a house. In these implementations, the system 100 only includes the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 and the filter sensors 220, 222, and 230. The one or more mobile devices 240, 250 receive data directly from the filter sensors 220, 222, and 230 and sends data directly to the filter sensors 220, 222, and 230. The one or more mobile devices 240, 250 provide the appropriate interfaces/processing to provide monitoring information, generate alerts, and modify settings, etc.

In other implementations, the system 200 further includes network 205 and the filter sensors 220, 222, and 230 are configured to communicate sensor data to the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 over network 205 (e.g., the Internet, cellular network, etc.). In yet another implementation, the filter sensors 220, 222, and 230 (or a component, such as a bridge/router) are intelligent enough to change the communication pathway from a direct local pathway when the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 are in close physical proximity to the filter sensors 220, 222, and 230 to a pathway over network 205 when the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 are farther from the filter sensors 220, 222, and 230. In some examples, the system leverages GPS information from the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 to determine whether the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 are close enough to the filter sensors 220, 222, and 230 to use the direct local pathway or whether the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 are far enough from the filter sensors 220, 222, and 230 that the pathway over network 205 is required. In other examples, the system leverages status communications (e.g., pinging) between the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 and the filter sensors 220, 222, and 230 to determine whether communication using the direct local pathway is possible. If communication using the direct local pathway is possible, the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 communicate with the filter sensors 220, 222, and 230 using the direct local pathway. If communication using the direct local pathway is not possible, the one or more mobile devices 240, 250 communicate with the filter sensors 220, 222, and 230 using the pathway over network 205.

The one or more mobile devices 240, 250 each include a native monitoring application 242, 252, respectively. The native monitoring application 242, 252 refers to a software/firmware program running on the corresponding mobile device that enables the user interface and features describe below. The one or more mobile devices 240, 250 may load or install the native monitoring application 242, 252 based on data received over a network or data received from local media. The native monitoring application 242, 252 runs on mobile devices platforms, such as iPhone, Google Android, Windows Mobile, etc.

The native monitoring application 242, 252 monitors filter sensors in a home, business, vacation or other property from anywhere. The native monitoring application 242, 252 enables users to easily monitor how dirty their filters are.

In some implementations, the native monitoring application 242, 252 enables the mobile device to connect to a filter sensor remotely and provide a user real-time, remote indication of filter status in a building. For example, a user may take the user's mobile device on a business trip out of town. While the user is out of town, the filter at the user's home becomes unexpectedly dirty, and the user is alerted automatically. The user may communicate separately with someone near the home to replace the filter.

The native monitoring application 242, 252 also may alert the user during time frames when it is convenient or appropriate for the user, so user can take action through the native monitoring application 242, 252. For instance, the native monitoring application 242, 252 may receive information related to convenient or appropriate times from the monitoring application server 260, from another source on the Internet, or from a user entering information related to convenient times. The native monitoring application 242, 252 may store the convenient time information for use in alerting the user. The native monitoring application 242, 252 may periodically update the convenient time information. In using the convenient time information to alert the user, the native monitoring application 242, 252 may provide an alert to the user when the user is likely awake and not busy, but determine not to provide an alert to the user when the user is likely to be asleep or busy.

The native monitoring application 242, 252 may include detailed and summary filter status reports to show users how dirty or not dirty the filters are.

The native monitoring application 242, 252 also may implement a permission system that provides a different level of access for different users. For instance, landlord users may have full access to the monitoring system and a tenant user may have limited access (e.g., the tenant user may be able to see the status of a filter in the tenant's home in an apartment building, but may not be able to see the status of other filters in the apartment building). The permission system may be implemented based on user-specific passcodes or particular mobile devices may be assigned to particular users.

The one or more client devices 270, 280 may be any type of client devices (e.g., personal computers) that are capable of performing operations similar to those described as being performed by the one or more mobile devices 240, 250. The one or more client devices 270, 280 operate a monitoring application 272, 282 either locally or over a network. The monitoring application 272, 282 may be similar to the native monitoring application 242, 252 operated by the one or more mobile devices 240, 250.

FIGS. 3, 6-7, 9, 11 illustrate example processes. The operations of the example processes are described generally as being performed by the system 200. The operations of the example processes may be performed by one of the components of the system 200 (e.g., the monitoring application server 260) or may be performed by any combination of the components of the system 200. In some implementations, operations of the example processes may be performed by one or more processors included in one or more electronic devices.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example process 300 for performing an operation related to communicating filter status based on monitored sensor data and monitored device status. The system 200 monitors sensor data captured by one or more sensors that sense attributes relevant to filter status at one or more properties (310). For example, the system 200 receives, either directly or via a network, data communications from sensors included in a monitoring system that are configured to sense physical attributes of the physical world at the one or more properties. The sensor data may include color sensor data, radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor data (e.g., RFID tags may be applied to filter devices and RFID sensors may detect presence of the filter devices), or any other sensor data related to physical attributes capable of being monitored using sensor technology.

The system 200 may monitor the received sensor data for single detected events (e.g., a single reading of filter status) or a series of detected events (e.g., a pattern of multiple readings of filter status and an RFID tag identification). In addition, the sensor data may be direct data captured by the sensors or may be processed prior to being received by the system 200. The sensor data may processed by performing statistical calculations on the sensor data to identify trends within the data.

The system 200 monitors status of one or more filter devices associated with the one or more properties (320). For example, the system 200 may receive, either directly or via a network, data communications from one or more filter devices located at the one or more properties. In this example, the system 200 may receive the data communications directly from the one or more filter devices or from a controller (e.g., a zwave controller) added to the one or more filter devices. The system 200 may process the data communications to determine a state of a device (e.g., whether the filter is dirty or not dirty). The system 200 also may process the data communications to determine filter status of the one or more filter devices. The system 200 may track device status patterns for the one or more filter devices and track filter use through operation of the one or more filter devices.

The system 200 analyzes the monitored sensor data and the monitored device status with respect to a set of one or more rules (330) and performs an operation related to communicating based on the analysis (340). For instance, the system 200 analyzes events detected using the sensor data in relation to device status information to perform communication regarding the one or more filter devices. The system 200 may analyze single detected events and take action according to single detected events. For instance, when the system 200 determines that all of the filters at a property are dirty, the system 200 may communicate the need to replace the filters at the property.

The system 200 also may analyze patterns of the sensor data and device status and take action according to the patterns. For instance, the system 200 may determine a pattern that relates to when filters are typically dirty in a property. The system 200 also may determine a device usage pattern. After determining the device usage pattern, the system 200 may compare the device usage pattern with another pattern. For example, the system 200 may determine that devices typically become dirtier during particular times of day or week or month or year. In this example, the system 200 may suggest adjustment to a filter replacement schedule to more closely match another pattern such as a work schedule or when a user is expected to be present at the property.

In addition, the system 200 may monitor filter status at the property and use the monitored filter status to determine which types of communication operations to perform. For instance, when filter status has been measured to be dirty at a relatively high level for a time period, the system 200 may increase or otherwise change the communications to the user.

FIG. 4 illustrates an interface 500 that enables user control over the monitoring of devices and communication about devices from a remote location. The interface 500 may be presented by one or more of mobile devices 240, 250 of FIG. 2. The interface 500 may be presented over a network (e.g., as a webpage on a personal computer) or may be displayed by an application that operates on a device (e.g., displayed by a native monitoring application on a mobile device). The interface may have indicators 510, 520, 530 to indicate to the user how dirty the water filter is. For example, if interface 500 highlights indicator 510, it is indicated that the water filter is not dirty. In another example, if interface 500 highlights indicator 530, it is indicated that the water filter is dirty and needs to be replaced.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of performing an operation related to communicating in a manner that accounts for filter status. As shown, a property 1010 is monitored by a monitoring system. The property 1010 includes a sensor 1012. Sensor 1012 may be the same as, may comprise, or may be comprised within one or more of sensors 220, 222, 230 of FIG. 2 and sensors 134, 154 of FIG. 1. The monitoring system monitors sensor data from the sensor 1012 and monitors the state of filter 1014.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the monitoring system analyzes color data captured by sensor 1012 and detects a dirty status of filter 1014 within the property 1010 based on the analysis of the color data. The monitoring system accumulates all this monitored data in monitoring system data 1030. As shown, the monitoring system data 1030 indicates that the filter 1014 is operating with a dirty status.

The monitoring system analyzes the monitoring system data 1030 with respect to one or more rules and determines that an action is needed based on the monitored attributes stored in the monitoring system data 1030. As shown, the monitoring system determines that an alert 1040 should be sent to one or more users associated with the property 1010 based on the sensor data and the monitored device status. The alert 1040 may be the same as, may comprise, or may be comprised within, interface 500 of FIG. 4. The alert 1040 provides a message indicating current values for the sensed activity with the property 1010 to enable the one or more users to assess the potentially unhealthy situation for the filter and take action accordingly.

The alert 1040 includes multiple options for a user to respond to the situation. For example, the alert 1040 includes an input control 1044 that enables a user to receive more detailed information related to the filter. A user may activate the input control 1044 to see more detailed filter information and attempt to assess the likelihood of the filter being placed in unhealthy situation.

An example process accounts for geographic location data in performing an operation related to monitoring and communicating about one or more filter devices. The system 200 monitors geographic location data of one or more users associated with one or more monitored properties. For example, the system 200 determines a geographic location of one or more users associated with a monitored property. In this example, the system 200 may determine geographic location using any type of mechanism for determining a geographic location of a user. For instance, the system 200 may use GPS data to determine a geographic location, may use cell tower triangulation to determine a geographic location, or may use an IP address of a device being operated by the user to determine a geographic location. The system 200 may determine and monitor a geographic location of one or more users relative to a geographic location of a monitored property (e.g., within a particular number of miles).

In some examples, the system 200 may perform one or more operations related to preparing a monitored property for anticipated occupation when the inferred future occupancy suggests that the monitored property will be occupied in a relatively short period of time. These operations may include automatically prompting the user to replace the water filter to prepare the property for occupation.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example process 1300 for accounting for user identity in performing an operation related to monitoring and communicating about filter devices. The system 200 detects an event that triggers an operation related to devices (1310). For instance, the system 200 determines that monitored attributes described throughout this disclosure (e.g., sensor data, device status, etc.) indicate performance of an action defined by a rule.

In some implementations, the event may be a standalone event that triggers an operation. In these implementations, the event may be a sensor detecting dirty status of a filter.

In some examples, the event may be part of a string of multiple events that trigger an operation. In these examples, the event may be part of a pattern of events that is detected by the system 200. When the system 200 detects the pattern of events, the system 200 triggers an operation based on the pattern of events.

The system 200 determines a user-specific operation related to monitoring and communicating about the one or more filter devices based on the detected event and the determined user identity for the one or more users (1320) and performs the user-specific operation related to monitoring and communicating about the one or more devices (1330). The system 200 may determine and perform several different, types of operations related to monitoring and communicating about the one or more devices based on the detected event and the determined user identity for the one or more users. For example, the system 200 may automatically, without user intervention, communicate about the one or more devices based on the determined user identity for the one or more users. In another example, the system 200 may send alerts or display suggested changes to an identified user based on the determined user identity for the one or more users.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example process 1500 for accounting for sensor data from multiple, different locations in performing an operation related to monitoring and communicating about the one or more devices. The system 200 monitors sensor data captured by sensors that sense attributes in multiple, different locations (1510). For instance, the system 200 may use techniques similar to those discussed above with respect to reference numeral 310 to sense attributes. The system 200 may sense attributes in multiple, different locations. The system 200 may monitor sensor data from multiple, different areas within a single monitored property (e.g., sensor data from different levels or rooms within a house) or may monitor sensor data from multiple, different monitored properties (e.g., sensor data from a first filter at a home residence and sensor data from a second filter at a vacation residence).

The system 200 aggregates the monitored sensor data from the multiple, different locations (1520). For example, the system 200 combines the monitored sensor data from the multiple, different locations to enable the combined data to be analyzed for events occurring in each of the different locations. In this example, the combined or aggregated data may reflect activity in each of the different locations and, as such, may provide insights as to the relative usage patterns of the different locations.

The system 200 analyzes the aggregated sensor data (1530) and performs an operation related to monitoring and communicating about the one or more devices associated with one of the multiple, different locations based on the analysis of the aggregated sensor data (1540). For instance, the system 200 analyzes events detected using the sensor data at the multiple, different locations. The system 200 may analyze patterns of the sensor data at the different locations and take action according to the relative overlap in the patterns of activity at the different locations.

FIG. 8 illustrates examples of performing an operation related to monitoring and communicating about the one or more devices associated with a monitored property based on sensor data aggregated for multiple, different properties. As shown in FIG. 8, a monitoring system 1650 monitors sensed data and communicates about the one or more devices at each of an office property 1610, a home property 1620, and a vacation property 1630. Monitoring system 1650 may be the same as, may comprise, or may be comprised within, one or more of system 120 of FIG. 1 and system 200 of FIG. 2. The office property 1610 includes sensors 1612 at the office property 1610, the home property 1620 includes sensors 1622 at the home property 1620, and the vacation property 1630 includes sensors 1632 at the vacation property 1630. One or more of sensors 1612, 1622, 1632 may be the same as, may comprise, or may be comprised within, one or more of sensor 1012 of FIG. 5, sensors 220, 222, 230 of FIG. 2, and sensors 134, 154 of FIG. 1. The monitoring system 1650 may communicate, over a network, to receive sensor data from sensors included in the corresponding system. The office property 1610, the home property 1620, and the vacation property 1630 are all associated with (e.g., owned by) a single user.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, the current device settings 1640A show the status of devices at each of the office property 1610, the home property 1620, and the vacation property 1630 on a Thursday at seven in the evening. At this time, the monitoring system 1650 detects filter status at the office property 1610, the home property 1620, and the vacation property 1630. From past monitored sensor data for the office property 1610, the home property 1620, and the vacation property 1630, the monitoring system 1650 has derived a relative filter status pattern.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example process 1700 for performing operations related to monitoring and communicating about the one or more devices based on a profile. The system 200 defines a profile for one or more monitored properties (1710). For example, the system 200 receives user input describing one or more goals or rules that a user would like to set. In this example, the system 200 uses the one or more goals or rules to define a profile for the user, which is used to monitor and communicate about the one or more devices at one or more properties associated with the user.

The profile may include various dirty filter thresholds that define when it is and is not appropriate to replace a filter. The profile may define the thresholds for the one or more monitored properties in terms of a budget. The profile may define how much control the user would like to give the system 200 in meeting the various thresholds and budgets defined in the profile. An example profile is shown in FIG. 18 and described in more detail below.

The system 200 monitors usage for devices associated with the one or more monitored properties (1720). The system 200 may measure filter use by a single device or collectively measure filter use by several (e.g., all) devices at one or multiple properties.

The system 200 monitors sensor data for the one or more monitored properties (1730). For instance, the system 200 may use techniques similar to those discussed above with respect to reference numeral 310 to monitor sensor data for the one or more monitored properties.

The system 200 analyzes the monitored usage, sensor data, and device status with respect to the profile (1740) and performs operations based on the analysis (1760).

FIG. 10 illustrates an example embodiment of circuitry and components of filter sensor 9965 at filter device 9975. Filter sensor 9965 may be the same as, may comprise, or may be comprised within, one or more of filter sensors 1612, 1622, 1632 of FIG. 8, sensor 1012 of FIG. 5, sensors 220, 222, 230 of FIG. 2, and sensors 134, 154. The filter device 9975 includes a filter 9990 encompassed by a filter housing 9980. Filter device 9975 may be the same as, may comprise, or may be comprised within, filter 1014 of FIG. 5, The filter sensor 9965 is placed in close proximity to the filter device 9975. In at least one embodiment, the filter sensor 9965 is physically attached to the outside of the filter housing 9980. At least one area (e.g., window 9945) of the filter housing 9980 is transparent or translucent enough such that in at least the one area, the filter housing allows light from outside the filter housing 9980 to enter the filter housing 9980 and reach the filter 9990 and then reflect off the filter 9990 and back out of the filter housing 9980, as reflected light 9935. In at least one embodiment, the reflected light 9935 is intense enough to be visible to human eyes 9955. In at least one embodiment, the light from outside the filter housing may be ambient light and/or light 9925 generated by illuminating LEDs 9905 of the filter sensor 9965 that are positioned so that such generated light is able to penetrate the at least one area of the filter housing 9980 and reach the filter 9990.

The reflected light 9935 enters a lens 9915 leading to a color sensor device 9970. In at least one embodiment, the reflected light 9935 is intense enough to pass through the lens 9915 and be detected and processed by the color sensor device 9970. The color sensor device 9970 derives color data from the reflected light 9935. The color data indicates the color of the reflected light 9935. In at least one embodiment, the color data includes numerical values for red, green, and blue components of the reflected light 9935.

The color data is provided from the color sensor device 9970 to a processor device (CPU) 9960 of the filter sensor 9965. The CPU 9960 controls the operation of the filter sensor 9965. The filter sensor 9965 also has a data communication device 9950 that allows the CPU 9960 to communicate with external computing devices outside the filter sensor 9965. The filter sensor 9965 may also have an antenna 9930 connected to the data communication device 9950 to help enable this communication.

In at least one embodiment, the filter sensor 9965, including the data communication device 9950, the CPU 9960, the color sensor device 9970, and the illuminating LEDs 9905, are powered by a power supply device 9985 included with or attached to the filter sensor 9965. In at least one embodiment, the power supply device 9985 includes batteries 9910 and a regulator 9920. From electricity provided by the batteries 9910, the regulator 9920 derives electrical power to be provided to the filter sensor 9965, including the data communication device 9950, the CPU 9960, the color sensor device 9970, and the illuminating LEDs 9905. In at least one embodiment, the power supply device 9985 also includes a battery monitor 9940 that provides the CPU 9960 with battery data. From the battery data, the CPU 9960 derives battery power information indicating how much energy remains stored in the batteries 9910.

Using the data communication device 9950, the CPU 9960 can communicate filter sensor information to the external computing devices. In at least one embodiment, the filter sensor information may include the color data and/or the battery power information, and/or information derived from the color data and/or the battery power information.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example process 8800 wherein, in at least one embodiment, the monitoring system operates as follows. The user installs the native mobile device application (“app”) on a smartphone (8810). The filter sensor is installed at the filter device (8820), for example in a home. The user executes a one time set-up of the filter sensor via the smartphone (8830). In the one time set up, the user enters credentials that the filter sensor needs to connect to a WiFi network at the home, and the filter sensor also registers to the app (8840). The Wi-Fi network is connected to the internet (8850). Normal operation is as follows: The filter sensor mostly remains in a sleep mode in which the filter sensor draws very little power from the batteries (8860). Once per day, the filter sensor wakes up, obtains color data corresponding to the dirty or not dirty status of the filter, connects to the WiFi network, and communicates over the Wi-Fi network and the internet to allow the user to be notified/updated about the dirty or not dirty status of the filter (e.g., by updating the app), based on the color data (8870).

In at least one embodiment, with further reference to FIG. 10, the device 9965 includes at least one light source 9905 and color sensor 9970. Preferably, each light source 9905 may be a single white light emitting diode (LED) or a plurality of individual color LEDs. The color sensor 9970 may be a color sensing chip, photodiode or photo integrated circuit (photo IC). In one embodiment, a photo IC sensitive to red (λ=615 nm), green (λ=540 nm) and blue (λ=465 nm) regions of the color spectrum may be used. In particular embodiments, detected signals may be serially output as 12-bit digital data. Thus, the photo IC may comprise three 12-bit digital registers allowing simultaneous measurement of three colors (red, green and blue). In alternative embodiments, smaller or larger digital data bit sizes may be used, depending on the resolution or number of colors that needs to be detected.

The light source 9905 and color sensor 9970 of the device 9965, are purposefully placed such that when the filter 9990 is inserted into the filter housing 9980, the light source 9905 is able to shine light on the filter 9990 while the sensor 9970 detects wavelengths reflected and/or refracted from the filter 9970. In particular, the filter 9990 substantially fills the filter housing 9980 so that the light source 9905 is able to shine light on the filter 9990, and the sensor 9970 is able to detect the resulting wavelengths, regardless of the filter's orientation in the device. The light source 9905 and color sensor 9970 are operatively coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB) so as to be electrically coupled with other electrical components of the device 9965.

In particular embodiments, the filter 9990 is separately encased within the filter housing 9980 to form a fluid-tight seal around the filter 9990 to protect device components, such as the light source 9905 and sensor 9970, from contacting any fluid escaping from the filter housing. Accordingly, window 9945 may be formed on a wall of the filter housing 9980 separating the filter 9990 from the light source 9905 and sensor 9970, as shown in FIG. 10. This allows the light source 9905 to shine light on the filter 9990 within the filter housing 9980 and the sensor 9970 to detect the reflected and/or refracted wavelengths from the housing 9980 while being protected from any harmful fluid. Preferably, the window 9945 is made of a polycarbonate material. Moreover, the sensor 9970 is capable of detecting the wavelengths through the window 9945 regardless of the window being distorted or dirty.

In another embodiment, the window 9945 is not used. Rather, a wall of housing 9980 separating the filter 9990 from the light source 9905 and sensor 9970 is a translucent material of the filter housing 9980, which allows light to pass through. In this embodiment, the source 9905 is able to shine light onto the filter 9990, and the sensor 9970 is capable of detecting the reflected light 9935 through the translucent wall to detect the color of the filter 9990. In alternative embodiments, other case colored materials may be used, as long as they do not interfere with the ability to detect and determine the color.

The device 9965 further includes CPU 9960 operatively coupled to the sensor 9970 via the PCB, for example. In particular, CPU 9960 is programmed with control algorithms to receive output data from the sensor 9970 to determine a specific color of the filter 9990. For instance, the control algorithms used for detecting the color of the filter 9990 when utilizing the above-stated translucent material may be different from the control algorithms used when a clear window is utilized. Additionally, in particular embodiments, the device 9965 has an opaque housing, although in alternative embodiments, the housing may be translucent. The control algorithms used for detecting the color of the filter 9990 when the housing 9980 is opaque may be different from the control algorithms used when the housing is translucent.

In one embodiment, different colors of the filter 9990 correspond to different impurities or impurity concentrations, respectively. Accordingly, if the CPU 9960 enables determination that the filter 9990 is a dark brown color, it can then enable detection that the filter 9990 is dirty and needs replacing.

It is contemplated that any number of colors may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention to arbitrarily correspond to a respective level of dirtiness of the filter 9990. Moreover, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to colors in the visible spectrum. It is contemplated that the filter 9990 may also be of an infrared or ultraviolet color, the wavelengths of which are detectable by the sensor 9970.

In other embodiments, different colors of the filter 9990 may indicate other information such as impurity type, amount of impurity contained in the filter 9990, proper insertion of the filter 9990, or the like. Thus, upon the CPU 9960 enabling detection of this information, the CPU 9960 may operate the device 9965 according to the information.

In particular embodiments, the relationship between an arbitrary color and corresponding information (e.g., impurity type etc.) is previously known (e.g., by the device 9965) and may be stored in a memory (not shown) (e.g., of the device 9965). The device memory may be preloaded with such information during manufacture of the device. Alternatively, the user may download such information onto the device memory from an external source.

In one embodiment, information deduced from the detected color may be communicated to a user via a display of the device 9965. For example, when the color of the filter 9990 is detected by the sensor 9970, the control algorithms of the device 9965 may first enable detection of the type of impurity contained in the filter, and convey this information to the user. The user is then able to visually confirm whether the currently connected filter 9990 contains the expected impurity to receive. The information may also be communicated to other devices such as a controller or remote monitor.

In an example method of operation of the device 9965, under an embodiment, the device 9965 operates as follows. The device 9965 has firmware based upon an operating system such as Linux, for example, but is not so limited. Specialized software or applications along with this operating system provides the services, API and functionality for set up and use of the device 9965 features in concert with cloud infrastructure and mobile and web applications.

During the user's initial setup of device 9965, the following tasks are performed by the firmware:

a. The device 9965 firmware boots.

b. Since no existing device information is present, the device 9965 creates a Wi-Fi access point for setup functions.

c. User launches the mobile application and after creating an account using their information begins the setup process.

d. User connects to device 9965 Wi-Fi access point and submits Wi-Fi credentials for their home network.

e. The device 9965 attempts to connect with the home network using the provided Wi-Fi credentials.

f. The device 9965 registers itself to cloud back-end, associates with the current user and attempts to open ports on the user's Internet router (for incoming connections) using Universal Plug and Play (UPNP) or Network Address Translation (NAP) Port Mapping Protocol (PMP), depending on the type of router present.

g. Once fully connected, the device 9965 turns off its Wi-Fi access point and begins normal operation.

h. In the cases where a new Wi-Fi router is present, the device 9965 has moved to a new environment, or connectivity to the existing router fails, the device 9965 can accept new Wi-Fi credentials in a similar fashion to the initial setup process.

In at least one other embodiment, device 9965 and filter device 9975 may be at least partially integrated physically. For example, at least a portion of device 9965 may be built into or physically integrated with filter housing 9980.

Embodiments described herein include a setup or enrollment process that comprises determining geolocation of the monitoring unit during installation at the premises. The monitoring unit of an embodiment incorporates a WiFi module (processor and radio (802.11)), and during enrollment the monitoring unit puts the WiFi module into ‘Access Point mode’. The mobile device running the mobile application described in detail herein enrolls as a WiFi client to the monitoring unit access point. The mobile application then provides new WiFi credentials (e.g., service set identification (SSID), password (optional), etc.) to the monitoring unit via the WiFi access point; subsequently, the mobile application automatically switches the mobile device over to the same WiFi SSID, or the user manually switches the mobile device to that SSID using a network configuration utility. Upon receipt of the new WiFi credentials, the monitoring unit automatically switches its WiFi processor to enroll as a client at the new SSID (using the optional password). Either the monitoring unit or the mobile application initiates a process to store the WiFi credentials on a remote server or other remote device. The monitoring unit of an embodiment restores the WiFi credentials from a remote server, but the remote server of an alternative embodiment initiates restoration of the WiFi credentials of the monitoring unit.

The mobile application of an embodiment provides numerous operations, but is not so limited. For example, the mobile application provides a user interface that enables a user to switch the monitoring unit to the access point mode in order to change the SSID. The mobile application provides authentication directly to the camera (e.g. username, password, etc.). Alternatively, the mobile application provides authentication against a remote server.

The mobile application provides to one or more monitoring units location information corresponding to the monitoring unit installation, where the location information corresponding to the monitoring unit is location data determined at the mobile device. The monitoring unit then provides its location data to the remote server. Alternatively, the mobile application provides the location data of the monitoring unit installation directly to a remote server or other remote device. The monitoring unit of an embodiment includes an administrative tool that provides information about numerous monitoring units and their respective physical locations.

In an alternative embodiment the monitoring unit is temporarily coupled or connected via a physical connector (e.g., USB cable) to a mobile device running the mobile application. In this embodiment the mobile application delivers the Wifi SSID and password over the wired connection, and the monitoring device then switches to the Wifi access point as described above.

Generally, the monitoring unit's operating state comprises but is not limited to the following:

a. Sensor polling is running and receiving raw data from sensors.

b. The rules engine is running and can interface with sensors.

c. The audio and video service and RTSP server are running and are ready to accept incoming connections, record footage in a loop and detect loud sounds.

d. The PIR motion sensor service is running and able to detect movement within the monitoring unit's FOV.

e. Automated tasks run at their pre-defined intervals and perform, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: maintain contact or communication between the monitoring unit and the cloud back-end and ensure incoming ports remain open on the user's Internet router; check for updates to the monitoring unit's firmware; post status updates about the current environment around the monitoring unit; post heartbeats periodically to inform the cloud backend of the monitoring unit's state.

The described systems, methods, and techniques may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of these elements. Apparatus implementing these techniques may include appropriate input and output devices, a computer processor, and a computer program product tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage device for execution by a programmable processor. A process implementing these techniques may be performed by a programmable processor executing a program of instructions to perform desired functions by operating on input data and generating appropriate output. The techniques may be implemented in one or more computer programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. Each computer program may be implemented in a high-level procedural or object-oriented programming language, or in assembly or machine language if desired; and in any case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language. Suitable processors include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory and/or a random access memory. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such as Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM). Any of the foregoing may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, specially-designed ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits).

It will be understood that various modifications may be made. For example, in some implementations, the system 200 (e.g., one or more components of the system 200) may implement a health calculator.

In some examples, the system 200 derives a health value for a monitored property.

In some implementations, the system 200 judges the efficiency of a water filter system at a property on a relative basis.

In some examples, the system 200 is a learning system. In these examples, the system derives insights from filter data and patterns of filter data over time.

The system 200 may constantly use its archive of information to learn over time, and the system 200 may dynamically and without user driven inputs, derive insights from filter data and patterns of filter data over time.

In embodiments based on a filter operating to control, limit, or regulate output of materials, such as a tube birdfeeder or a liquid soap dispenser, filter sensor 9965 (which may be the same as, may comprise, or may be comprised within, one or more of filter sensors 1612, 1622, 1632 of FIG. 8, sensor 1012 of FIG. 5, sensors 220, 222, 230 of FIG. 2, and sensors 134, 154) may enable a detection or determination of “full” in place of “dirty” above, and/or a detection or determination of “empty” in place of “not dirty” above.

Other useful implementations could be achieved if steps of the disclosed techniques were performed in a different order and/or if components in the disclosed systems were combined in a different manner and/or replaced or supplemented by other components. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the disclosure.

It should be understood that various operations described herein may be implemented in software executed by processing circuitry, hardware, or a combination thereof. The order in which each operation of a given method is performed may be changed, and various operations may be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. It is intended that the invention(s) described herein embrace all such modifications and changes and, accordingly, the above description should be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

The terms “tangible” and “non-transitory,” as used herein, are intended to describe a computer-readable storage medium (or “memory”) excluding propagating electromagnetic signals; but are not intended to otherwise limit the type of physical computer-readable storage device that is encompassed by the phrase computer-readable medium or memory. For instance, the terms “non-transitory computer readable medium” or “tangible memory” are intended to encompass types of storage devices that do not necessarily store information permanently, including, for example, RAM. Program instructions and data stored on a tangible computer-accessible storage medium in non-transitory form may afterwards be transmitted by transmission media or signals such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, which may be conveyed via a communication medium such as a network and/or a wireless link.

Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The terms “coupled” or “operably coupled” are defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless stated otherwise. The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Similarly, a method or process that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more operations possesses those one or more operations but is not limited to possessing only those one or more operations.

Although the invention(s) is/are described herein with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention(s), as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention(s). Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that are described herein with regard to specific embodiments are not intended to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims.

MONITORING OF FILTERS

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