Patent Application
20190234786
This apparatus and the method of use relates to water supply systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a water meter and leak detection system for private and/or public property(ies) to monitor and provide water use and water leak information and to minimize water loss and related damage.
Water is increasingly becoming a precious resource. While fresh water supplies have been challenged due to climate (short rainy seasons and long droughts) and increased pollution, water demand has been rising due to the growing population along with increased development. The increasingly limited supply of fresh water is a humanitarian concern and water conservation is becoming a major issue for many communities. An apparatus for real-time monitoring of water use and real-time detection of leak conditions at private and/or public property(ies) (e.g., residential structures and yards, business/industrial/commercial facilities, and governmental/institutional sites) can be useful in assessing and controlling water resources and supporting water conservation.
Water losses to private and/or public properties caused by broken or compromised water pipes and by unobserved leaks are enormous. Broken or compromised water pipes are often underground and are undetected, or, for example, when the property owner is absent or sleeping, and the resulting water loss and property damage can be catastrophic. Property insurance agencies report that a significant portion of total insurance losses are water related. It has been found that losses due to water leaks in residential homes amount to a significant percentage of the total water use.
The water meter and leak detection System monitors real-time water use and provides real-time leak detection with notification for private and/or public property(ies) (e.g., residential structures and yards, business/industrial/commercial facilities, and/or governmental/institutional sites). The water meter and leak detection system connects in series to the water supply for one or more private and/or public properties. This invention comprises a water meter collection node and an optional communication hub or receiving station. The collection node is essentially a water meter which can include: one or more water flow rate sensors, one or more optional control valves, one or more optional temperature sensors, one or more optional pressures sensors, one or more optional acoustic sensors, and wireless radio technology. Use of the optional communication hub or receiving station provides longer wireless range capability. The water meter collection node with or without the optional communication hub or receiving station can utilize long range wireless technology [LoRa, Sigfox, WiMAX, Ultra Narrow Band (UNB), 6LoWPAN, standard WiFi and WiFi3 (with Wi-Fi extenders)], limited range technology [Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Zigbee and Z-wave], other wireless technology, wired and wired technology [X10, universal powerline bus (UPB), HART Communications Protocol], established cellular technology [3GPP, LTE-M, NB-IoT, and 5G], and any combinations thereof.
In one embodiment, the water meter collection node utilizes a LoRa, WiNAX, 6LoWPAN, ultra narrow band (UNB), or NB-IoT radio that communications with the optional communication hub or receiving station that has a LoRa, WiMAX, 6LoWPAN, ultra narrow band (UNB), or NB-IoT radio that communications with the collection node and has a Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi3 second radio that communicates with a wireless router. Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Zigbee, or Z-Wave can also be used for shorter range communications. The wireless communication technology can utilize and communicate with an application programming interface (API) protocol, a simple object access protocol (SOAP), a representational state transfer (REST) protocol, or another API technology. The API interface is software code that allows two programs to efficiently communicate with each other for website presentation. The wireless technology is in duplex format as water use monitoring transmits water use data to a remote server while the leak detection capability needs to send a signal to control the water control valve. The long range wireless technology [LoRa, Sigfox, WiMAX, UNB, 6LoWPAN, NB-IoT, standard Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi3 (with Wi-Fi extenders)], limited range technology [Bluetooth, BLE, Zigbee and Z-wave], wired technology [X10, UPB, HART Communications Protocol], established cellular technology [3GPP, NB-IoT, LTE-M], and any combinations thereof transfers data through a private or corporate network system or through a router connected to the internet. These methods of transfer communicate water use, water leaks, and/or water quality data to remote server(s) with database(es). The water meter and leak detection system is connected to the water supply piping using a continuous, water event use (basis), or on a demand basis for monitoring water use from the main water supply line used within a private and/or public property(ies). The present invention can be used with private and/or public water sources such as public municipalities and/or private wells and other non-municipal related water sources. The remote server and database can be used to support a computer portal that designated or registered users or owners can access water use data and/or leak detection information on a cell or smart phones, computers, or similar apparatuses can use to access and observe water use, leak conditions, and/or water quality parameters for relevant private and/or public property(ies).
The housing of the water meter and leak detection system collection node and optional communication hub or receiving station can be fabricated from materials and can use technologies that provide protection for moist and wet conditions, hot environments and cold/freezing situations. The water meter and leak detection system includes a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor and/or microcontroller, data storage, timing and wireless circuitry, water flow rate sensors, optional water quality sensors, optional pressure sensors, optional acoustic sensors, and a power generation means. The types of water flow rate sensor(s) can be invasive (i.e. within water pipe; e.g. turbine sensor), non-invasive (i.e. outside water pipe; e.g. ultrasonic sensor), and/or sensitive water flow sensors (e.g. pressure sensor). The water mater and leak detection system has the capability to utilize several different sensors to accomplish the goals of real-time monitoring water use and detecting leaks. Furthermore, the water meter and leak detection system can monitor separately indoor and outdoor water use or can monitor one or more designated areas of one or more sites. Optionally, a temperature sensor can be incorporated into the water meter collection node to determine, communicate, and address temperature conditions, e.g. assess freezing conditions and communicate with the property structure's thermostat or heating system to maintain a specified temperature within the structure, drain water from pipes, and/or perform other damage protection techniques. The optional pressure sensor, with associated use of the control valve, can be used for detecting very small leaks. This is accomplished by shutting off the water supply with the control valve and monitor pressure over time period. The resulting loss of pressure can generate graphical curves or charts that demonstrate that type of small leak, e.g. leaking faucet, leaking toilet flapper valve. The pressure sensor can also be used to detect pressure fluctuations during standard flow conditions.
The water meter and leak detection system with control valve(s) can be shut-off/on manually or be programmed to automatically turn off the water control mechanism when a leak is detected, or program for a schedule using a cell or smart phone, computer, or similar electronic apparatus. The water meter and leak detection system can be programmed to follow a work, vacation, leak monitoring or other schedule. The Water Meter and Leak Detection System can be set to automatically shut-off when the private and/or public property(ies) is un-occupied or vacant. The occupancy of the private and/or public property(ies) can be determined by feedback from electronic lock(s), passive infrared sensor(s) (PIRs), alarm(s), security system(s), or other security devices. Furthermore, the water meter and leak detection system is designed with electrical and communication circuitry to send a signal to the cell or smart phone, computer, or similar electronic apparatus that the water supply line is on or off.
The water meter and leak detection system provides wireless remote leak detection notification using water event or water event basis monitoring and software analysis. Alternately, continuous data monitoring can be stored in a data module in the water meter collection node and periodically transferred wirelessly to a remote computer or server as described herein. The water meter and leak detection system monitors water use and detects non-typical, abnormal, or continuous water use and alerts, signals, or messages via a cell or smart phone, computer, or similar electronic apparatus to one or more property owners, users, or responsible individuals of any water leak condition(s). Thus, leak notification can be provided when the property(ies) is vacated or unsupervised.
The water meter and leak detection system's collection node communicates through a private or commercial network system or communicates with the optional communication hub or receiving station and through a router to the internet.
The water meter and leak detection system's collection node with water shut-off/on mechanism can be battery operated and can utilize re-chargeable batteries or super capacitators. The re-chargeable components can be connected to electricity generation means such as a water turbine generator(s), solar cell(s), or wind generation means to supplement electrical energy. The Water Meter and Leak Detection System with shut-off/on mechanism can also be AC or DC powered.
Finally, many other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts, especially considering the following discussions, drawings, detailed descriptions and claims.
The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed technology to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the disclosed technology can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the disclosed technology be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.
The following description is non-limiting and is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of the disclosed embodiments. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a full understanding of various aspects of the subject disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one ordinarily skilled in the art that various aspects of the subject disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject disclosure.
Water Use refers to the total volume or volume of water used over a period of time.
Water event use or water event use basis is defined as monitoring and sensing the initiation of water flow until the water flow is stopped, whereby the water flow rate, the duration of water flow, and the total water volume can be calculated and recorded. The water event use will inherently save wireless transmission energy by allowing the CPU or microprocessor to go into a sleep mode between each water event use and provides a superior method for analyzing water signatures and patterns for reliable discernment of leak and leak locations.
Private and/or public property(ies) refers to the structure(s), site(s), area(s), land(s), and/or location(s) whether indoor, outdoor, or a combination thereof that is/are owned, controlled, used by or designated for use by any type of entity(ies) (i.e. personal, residential, commercial, corporate, business, industrial, establishment, government, administrative, institutional, organizational, etc.). Examples include but are not limited to homes and yards, office buildings, commercial structures and grounds, farming lands, government or institutional facilities, multi-unit apartments, condominiums or townhomes, hospitals, dormitories, university or corporate campuses, water or irrigation system defined areas, water wells, sports fields, exercise facilities, parks, golf courses, home owner association (HOA) areas, and military bases.
Authentication refers to the technology that confirms or ensures that a message(s), control/command signal(s), data, and/or information that is downloaded and/or transferred from one person or device to another that is received only by the intended person or device. One example of an authentication method is the Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP) which provided authentication technology to a user communication with a network entity, which may be any remote private or corporate server and/or the internet using a service provider (e.g. ATT U-verse, Xfinity/Comcast) CHAP provides users authenticated passwords when accessing remote servers, which also are authenticated prior to allowing the user access.
Encryption refers to a privacy technology that prevents anyone but the intended recipient(s) to access, download, read, or review a message(s), control/command signal(s), data, and/or information that provides a confidential transfer.
Integrity refers to technology that ensures that a message(s), control/command signal(s), data, and/or information is not altered, compromised, or corrupted during transmission or when accessed or downloaded.
Non-repudiation refers to the technology that confirms or ensure and prevents a sender or receiver from denying that a message(s), control/command signal (s), data, and/or information was sent or received.
Cellular format technology refers to all current and future variants, revisions and generations [e.g. third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G) and 3GPP (and enhancement revisions), fifth generation (5G), 3GPP cellular technology, all future generations of Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPSR), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), 3GSM, Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), Digital AMPS (IS-136/TDMA, Integrated Digital Enhance Network (iDEN), HSPA+, WiNAX, LTE, Flash-OFDM, HIPERMAN, WiFi, IBurst, UMTS, W-CDMA, BSPDA+HSUPA, UNTS-TDD, other formats for utilizing cell or smart phone technology, telephony antenna distributions, and/or any combinations thereof] and includes the use of satellite, microwave technology, the internet, cell tower, telephony, and/or public switched telephone network lines.
Cell or smart phones, computers, or similar apparatuses includes all cellular phones and mobile electronic communication devices using access and format methods (with cellular equipment, public switched telephone network lines, satellite, and/or mesh technology); personal digital assistants (PDAs); tablets (refers to all current and variants, revisions, and generations of the APPLE®, SAMSUNG®, HP®, ACER®, MICROSOFT®, NOOK®, GOOGLE®, SONY®, KINDLE® and other tablets manufactured by these and other manufacturers); APPLE IPOD TOUCH®; smart or internet capable televisions; wireless timepieces or wireless watches; other electronic apparatuses with Wi-Fi and wireless capability; remote computers and controllers having internet, cellular technology, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), and any combinations thereof.
LoRa, also known as LoRaWan (and referred to as “LoRa” herein) comprises a low-power wide area and long-range network protocol based on Semtech or HopeRF LoRa technology for IoT devices, and LoRa networks and machine-to-machine (M2M) applications. LoRa uses chirp spread spectrum (CSS) technology developed by the company Semtech. Chirp spread spectrum modulation, which is like Frequency Shifting Keying (FSK) modulation, but it increases the communication range significantly. Chirp spectrum uses its entire allocated bandwidth to broadcast a signal. Because the chirp spectrum utilize a broad band of the spectrum, chirp spread spectrum is also resistant to multi-path fading even when operating at very low power. Also, chirp spread spectrum is resistance to Doppler effect, which is typical in radio applications. LoRa focuses on secure bi-directional communications in an asynchronous protocol that is designed for long wireless range with extended battery life. LoRa manufacturers use the entire allocated bandwidth to broadcast a communication or signal, making the LoRa protocol robust to minimize channel noise and excellent at handling interference and overlapping networks. The LoRa protocol provides interoperability among smart devices without the need of complex local installations. LoRa network architecture is based on a star-of-stars topology with gateways as a transparent bridge relaying messages between end-devices and a central network server in the backend. Existing gateways are connected to the network server via standard internet protocol connections while end-devices use single-hop wireless communication to one or many gateways. All communication is generally bi-directional or duplex format, but also supports multicast operations for enabling software upgrades or mass distribution messages to reduce the on-air communication time. Communication between end-devices and gateways is spread out on different frequency channels and data rates. The selection of the data rate is a trade-off between communication range and message duration. Due to the spread spectrum technology, communications with different data rates do not interfere with each other and create a set of “virtual” channels increasing the capacity of the gateway. LoRa data rates range from 0.3 kbps to 50 kbps. To maximize both battery life of the end-devices and overall network capacity, the LoRa network server can manage the data rate and radio frequency output for each end-device individually by means of an adaptive data rate (ADR) scheme. The LoRa technology offers high penetration, low bandwidth, low energy, long range, and secure data that is gaining significant penetration into the IoT networks.
The LoRa wireless system makes use of the unlicensed frequencies below 1 GHz that are available worldwide:
Using lower frequencies than those of the 2.4 or 5.8 GHz ISM bands enables much better coverage to be achieved especially when the nodes are within buildings enabling superior penetration of tall buildings and solid walls.
Lora's main and upcoming competitor is Sigfox which employs the differential binary phase-shift keying (DBPSK) and the Gaussian frequency shift keying (GFSK) that enables communication using ISM radio bands 868 MHz in Europe and 902 MHz in the United States. Sigfox utilizes a wide-reaching signal that passes freely through solid objects, called “Ultra Narrowband” and requires little energy, and is considered to be a “Low-power Wide-area network” or LPWAN. The Sigfox network is based on one-hop star topology and requires a mobile operator to carry the generated traffic. The Sigfox signal can also be used to easily cover large areas and to reach underground objects. Sigfox technology is being installed and utilized throughout the world as a wireless platform for IoT communications. As of October 2018, the Sigfox IoT network has covered a total of 4.2 million square kilometres in a total of 50 countries and is on track to reach 60 countries by the end of 2018.
With traditional Wi-Fi, most networks were designed on the ranges delivered by 802.11 standard operating frequencies 2.4 and 5.8 GHz and protocol for distance and performance. Newer Wi-Fi technology being developed is known as WiFi3. In the foreseen near future, companies like Edgewater Wireless will develop and market Wi-Fi3 powered technology that will deliver reliable, high-capacity indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi wireless communication and protocols for high-density environments. The high channel density will enable multiple channels of a single chip meaning aggregate output on a single Wi-Fi3 enabled device will outperform traditional, single channel Wi-Fi technology. Thus, the fewer access points will deliver higher quality of service that can considerably lower the cost of deployment of IoT devices. Remote and rural infrastructure installations are easily achievable due to the extended network coverage and performance capabilities of Wi-Fi3.
WiMAX refers to interoperable implementations of the IEEE 802.16 family of wireless-networks standards ratified by the WiMAX Forum. WiMAX was initially introduced to many international countries. WiMAX can be installed faster than other internet technologies because it can use low height towers with the support of non-line-of-sight coverage across an entire city or country. WiMAX transmitters can span several miles with data rates reaching up to 30-40 megabits per second (Mbps) (1 Gbps for fixed stations). Wireless WiMAX suffers like are most other wireless technology that the further away from the source the slower their connection becomes. This means that while a user might attain 25 Mbps in one location, moving away from the WiMAX site can reduce that speed to 1 Mbps The WiMAX Forum has proposed an architecture that defines how a WiMAX network can be connected with an IP based core network, which is typically chosen by operators that serve as the internet service providers (ISP) but can provide integration capabilities with other types of architectures. WiMAX Forum published three licensed spectrum profiles: 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz and 3.5 GBz, to establish standardization.
Ultra Narrow Band (UNB) refers to technology that transmits over a very narrow spectrum (for example less than 1 KHz) to achieve ultralong-range (5 km in the urban environment and 25 km+ in the suburb environment) for data communication between a sensor collection node transmitter and a communication receiving hub. By transmitting in a UNB channel, little power is required to transmit date over a considerable distance. UNB systems are frequently used in one-way, half duplex e.g. from collection node sensor(s) to an optional communication but can mimic two-way full duplex communication when the receiver/sensor is sleeping most of the time and must open once a few times each hour to listen for signal commands or messages.
NB-IoT is an initiative generated by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The goal of the NB-IoT is to address the needs for very low data rate devices that need to connect to mobile networks, and often powered by battery power. Because NB-IoT is a cellular-grade wireless technology that uses OFDM modulation, the chips are more complex, but the link connections are much better. Using typical cellular technology to obtain a high level of performance is penalized with a increase cost with more complexity (tower installations) and greater power consumption. NB-IoT is meant to be used to send and receive small amounts of data generally in two- or three-digit number (low hundreds) of bytes over a period of time generated by low data-producing IoT devices. NB-IoT is similar to Sigfox and LoRa but has a much faster modulation rate that can handle a lot more data than those Sigfox and LoRa technologies. But NB-IoT is not an IP-based communication protocol like LTE-M (another LPWA cellular technology associated with IoT applications). A user can usually not communicate or access an IP network with NB-IoT and expect to use it with an APP running on a cell phone or smartphone. It was made for simple IoT applications and is more power efficient than LTE-M (which is better suited for higher bandwidth or mobile and roaming applications) but designed for more infrequent communication purposes.
6LoWPAN is an acronym that combines the new Internet Protocol (IPv6) with a sub 1 GHz frequency and low power wireless personal area networks. The 6LoWPAN supports hundreds of hops for developing wireless mesh networks with high self-healing (node failure) and self-maintenance of mesh routes. The 6LoWPAN allows for small devices with limited transfer communication ability to transmit information wirelessly using the 6LoWPAN Internet Protocol. The 6LoWPAN architecture consists of a local network with routers/servers which utilizes a one or more edge router(s) to connect to the access network. The one or more edge router(s), communicating with the internal serves, then provides the IoT sensor and applications to access to the internet. IP networking for low-power radio communication utilizes applications that need wireless internet connectivity at lower data rates for devices can be designed with a limited footprint (form factor). The header compression mechanisms standardized in RFC6282 can be used to provide header compression within IPv6 protocol packets to be used over networks. IPv6 is also in use on the smart grid network enabling smart meters (water meters) and other devices to build a micro mesh network before sending the data back to the main remote servers with database for monitoring and billing operations using the IPv6 backbone. Some of these networks run over IEEE 802.15.4 defined radios, and therefore these radios use the header compression and fragmentation as specified by the RFC6282 standard.
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) refers to a newer version of standard Bluetooth. Standard Bluetooth was originally designed for continuous streaming of data applications. Both standard Bluetooth and BLE low energy operate in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. However, the BLE remains in a sleep mode constantly except for when a connection is initiated. The actual connection times are on a few milliseconds, unlike standard Bluetooth's continuous streaming. BLE short time connection allows for higher data transfer rates of approximately 1 Mb/s.
Cellular (3GPP) refers to the original release 8 and the associated enhancements (9-14). The original release 8 included high peak data rates, up to 300 Mbps in downlink and 75 Mbps in uplink when using a 20 MHz bandwidth that includes high spectral efficiency and flexible bandwidths (1.4 MHz, 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz and 20 MHz), 5 millisecond latency for IP packets in ideal radio conditions, simplified Architecture, orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) in downlink and Single-carrier frequency-division multiple access scheme (SC-FDMA) in uplink, all IP network, and using the multiple in and multiple out (MIMO) multiple antenna pattern. Further enhancement of the 3GPP technology consists of the start of 5G cellular technology). In addition to the continued Long-Term Evolution (LTE) cellular evolution, a new and updated radio access technology will be standardized, and these two technologies will form 5G radio access standard. Benefits of the 5G standard will include low latency communication, spectrum flexibility, machine type communication, multi-antenna and multi-site transmission techniques, and ultra-lean design.
The merging of LTE-M and 5G forms the LTE Cat-M1 and/or Long-Term Evolution (4G) Cat-M1. The LTE Cat-MI and LTE (4G) Cat-MN technology is designed for Internet of Things (IoT) devices to connect directly to a 4G or 5G network, without the typical node/computer network that passes traffic from a local network to other networks or the Internet router (a gateway) and further while running on battery power. Devices can connect to 4G and 5G networks with microchips that are less expensive to fabricate because these microchips are half-duplex and have a narrower bandwidth. Such designed devices can enter a “deep sleep” mode called Power Savings Mode (PSM) and only wake up periodically while connected. Because the maximum data rate of LTE-Cat-M1 and 5G devices is only about 100 kbits/s, these cellular protocols do not burden the 4G network. Cellular 5G version uses a system of cell sites that divide their territory into various sectors and send encoded data through radio waves. Each cell site must be connected to a network backbone, whether through a wired or wireless connection. 5G networks will use a type of encoding called orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), which is like the 4G encoding but 5G network interface will be designed for much lower latency and greater flexibility than 4G LTE-M. The 5G networks differ from 4G networks by managing significantly more, smaller cells that can dynamically change their size and shape so 5G networks need to be more intelligent than previous systems like 4G. But with existing macro cells, 5G is expected to boost capacity by over current 4G systems by utilizing wider bandwidths and advanced antenna technologies.
Wired communication can be standard wired technology, such as X10, UPB and the HART Communication Protocol (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer). X10 is a protocol for communication among electronic devices primarily used in the home automation industry. It primarily uses the power line wiring for signaling and control, where the signals involve brief radio frequency bursts representing digital information that transmits along the previously installed home electrical wiring. Universal Powerline Bus is a proprietary software protocol for power line communications between devices and again used for primarily in the home automation industry. Household electrical wiring is used to send digital data between UPB devices using pulse position modulation. The newer UPB protocol is more reliable that the older X10 technology, which allowed the UPB protocol to significantly penetrate the wired market. Communication can be peer to peer with no central controller necessary. The HART Communication Protocol (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) is a hybrid analog+digital industrial automation open protocol. Its most notable advantage is that it can communicate over legacy 4-20 mA analog instrumentation current loops, sharing the pair of wires used by the analog only systems. HART is widely used in process and instrumentation systems ranging from small automation applications through highly sophisticated industrial applications. Due to the huge installed base of 4-20 mA systems throughout the world, the HART Protocol is very popular for industrial protocols.
The terms wired (e.g. X10, UPB, HART Communication Protocol) and wireless electronic communication (e.g. Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi version 3 or WiFi3, 6LoWPAN, ZigBee, Z-wave, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), WiMAX, long range low power technology such as LoRa, Ultra Narrow Band (UNB), and cellular technology 3GPP and LTE-M and 5G) correspond to the concept of “internet of things” or “IoT”. The internet of things is defined herein as a network of physical objects or things that is comprised of electronic apparatuses (collect node and communication hub), programmable software, various sensor technology (flow, temperature and water quality and leak detectors), and local routers/servers and/or remote network and internet connectivity, which enable apparatuses to collect and exchange data. The internet of things allows devices to be sensed and controlled remotely across existing network infrastructure, creating opportunities for more direct integration between the physical world and computer-based systems and resulting in improved efficiency, monitoring accuracy and economic benefit. The internet of things encompasses technologies such as smart grids, smart homes, and intelligent wire and wireless electronic communications.
IoT Protocols refers to 1) MQ Telemetry Transport (MQTT) which is a machine-to-machine or “Internet of Things” connectivity protocol on top of TCP/IP. It allows extremely lightweight publish/subscribe messaging transport, 2) Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol is a communication protocol for message-oriented middleware based on XML. It enables the near real-time exchange of structured yet extensible data between any two or more network entities, 3) Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP) is a specialized web transfer protocol for use with constrained nodes and constrained networks in the Internet of Things. The protocol is designed for machine-to-machine (M2M) applications such as smart energy and building automation, 4) Advanced Message Queuing Protocol (AMQP) is an open standard application layer protocol for message-oriented middleware. The defining features of AMQP are message orientation, queuing, routing, reliability and security. AMQP mandates the performance of the messaging provider and client to the extent that implementations from different vendors are interoperable, in the same way as SMTP, HTTP, FTP, etc. have created interoperable systems, 5) THREAD is an IPv6-based, low-power mesh networking technology for IoT products, intended to be secure and future-proof specification that is available at no cost, but requires agreement and continued adherence to an end user license agreement, 6) Zigbee is an IEEE 802.15.4-based specification with a group of high-level communication protocols used to create personal area networks with small, low-power digital radios, such as for home automation, medical device data collection, and other low-power low-bandwidth needs, designed for small scale projects which need wireless connection. Zigbee is a low-power, low data rate, and close proximity wireless ad hoc network, 7) Z-wave is a wireless communications protocol used primarily for home automation but applicable to IoT applications. It is a mesh network using low-energy radio waves to communicate from device to another device, allowing for wireless control, 8) Data Distribution Service (DDS) is an Object Management Group (ONG) machine-to-machine standard that aims to enable scalable, real-time, dependable, high-performance and interoperable data exchanges using a publish-subscribe pattern, 9) Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is an application protocol for distributed, collaborative, hypermedia information systems. HTTP is the foundation of data communication for the World Wide Web, where hypertext documents include hyperlinks to other resources that the user can easily access and/or 10) a custom designed protocol.
Referring now to the drawings and particularly to
The water parameter information can also be uploaded, either with the use of an optional communication hub or receiving station to an internet router using wired or wireless technology which transmits the data through remote servers (for example, Amazon Web Services, Oracle Cloud, Microsoft Azure Cloud) and associated database(s) or, alternately, through a private or commercial network with privately own servers.
Also shown in
Also shown in
Furthermore, the wireless communication 46 can consist of two-way transmission, commonly known as duplex transceiver technology, such that the water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
The wireless communications 52, 54 and 46 are preferred to transmit, upload or download water parameter data or information via a secure wireless communication network. It is anticipated that the wireless communication 54 can be received by a moving vehicle or can communicate with cell phone towers 44 and cellular technology using wireless communication 46. The electronic communication(s) comprises, in part, a segment of the internet of things (IoT) concept. The wireless communication 54 or wireless communication 46 can also electronically communicate with a local router/server which uses the internet to communicate with remote computers (cloud) to allow remote access of the water use data. Such remote cloud-based computers can be provided by a large commercial cloud computer company.
It is anticipated that the wireless communications 54 and 46 and the wireless or wired communication 52 utilizing wired technologies (X10, UPB etc.) can be used with the water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
Wireless communication means 46, 52 and 54 preferably utilize encryption, authentication, integrity and/or non-repudiation techniques to provide a secure transfer of the water information from the water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
Furthermore, the wireless means can consist of two-way transmission, commonly known as duplex transceiver technology, such that the water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
The water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
TCP/IP technology has become a common communication and management platform for sensor to device applications, so software developers can utilize multiple communication systems while using TCP/IP technology. TCP/IP is a combination of two technologies where TCP comprise the fourth layer, and IP comprises the third layer, of the network and transport sections of the Open Systems Interconnect model (OSI model). Wireless technology such as LoRa, WIMAX, 6LoWPAN, UNB, Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi3 (with WiFi extenders), Cellular 3GPP, and/or LTE-M, NB-IoT and 5G, Bluetooth and BLE, ZigBee, Z-wave or similar wireless protocols or other communication technologies using the TCP/IP technology to transfer or download water data from a private or public property(ies) or used to upload data, information or software updates to the water mater and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
Calibration of the sensors with the water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
In another embodiment, the multiple independent flow sensors 105 can be engaged to the main water supply, irrigation system, or water use devices such as washing machine, water heater, dishwasher, kitchen faucets, bathroom faucets, shower, and/or toilets, and any combinations thereof. Each independent flow sensor 105 sends a unique code to the CPU, microprocessor or microcontroller 84 for identification associated with the water use device. Each independent flow sensor 105 can communicate the water usage by wired or wireless communicating with a unique code to the water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
In another embodiment, which does not utilize an independent flow sensor at each water use device but rather a single flow sensor, can allow an owner/user to enter into a programmed “Water Use Device Calibration” mode by pressing a specific hard or soft button on the w10 (126 shown in
It is anticipated by the Applicant that an “Automatic Sensor Learning Mode”, where the software learns about the users' water use at a private or public property(ies), can be completed without the calibration steps. The Automatic Sensor Learning Mode utilizes artificial intelligence (AI), software algorithms and other software to perform this operation. In this embodiment, a single sensor (e.g. flow rate sensor) 150, with optional pressure sensor(s) 65, optional acoustic sensor(s), and/or temperature sensor(s) 93 can be located within or near the water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
For example, after a period of time, Automatic Sensor Learning Mode using AI, software algorithms and other software can monitor a washing machine's range of water flow used and records the water use duration periods, water flow rate patterns (water flow rates for washing machine cycles and variations of water flow rates over time). The Automatic Sensor Learning Mode can use optional pressure sensor(s) for determining variations in pressure patterns and can use optional acoustic sensor(s) for identifying water valve movement and sounds when opening and closing and any vibrations during fully open valve with water flowing through the valve. In another example, when a toilet is flushed, the Automatic Sensor Learning Mode software recognizes the toilet water use pattern. If a bathroom faucet is turned on for hand washing, the software can identify the combination pattern of the toilet filling and the faucet water use. In this case an optional acoustic sensor can identify and differentiate the toilet and bathroom faucet water valves to more accurately monitor the water used by these different waters use devices at the public or private property or structure. The Automatic Sensor Learning Mode software can analyze, record, and store actual independent flow rates, variation of flow rate over time, duration periods, temporal activities, optionally variations in pressure patterns (e.g. rate of flow at onset of water flow and rate of flow when turned off, and any variations during water flow duration, and optional acoustic sensor observing water valve characteristics to assign the signature or pattern of water use for the toilet and bathroom faucet.
The water meter and leak detection system's water leak detection and monitoring capability can use wireless technology such as LoRa, WIMAX, 6LoWPAN, UNB, Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi3 (with WiFi extenders), Cellular 3GPP, and/or LTE-M and 5G, Bluetooth and BLE, ZigBee, Z-wave or similar wireless protocols or other communication technologies using the TCP/IP or other OSI technology to transmit an alarm or message to notify of leak condition(s) at a private or public property(ies). Leak notification can be provided via call to a registered or designated cell or smart phone, computer, or similar apparatus or the water meter and leak detection system can send an alarm(s) or message(s) to a governing utility or municipality.
Analog sensors with analog data can be amplified by a circuit and connected to the CPU, microprocessor and/or microcontroller 84 through the use of an analog-to-digital module(s). Digital sensors can communicate with the CPU, microprocessor and/or microcontroller 84 directly.
The remote display devices 46, 52, 54 and 400 can communicate wirelessly are located remotely from the water sensor(s), CPU, microprocessor and/or microcontroller 84, electrical circuitry, and data transfer technology 83. The water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 uses various wireless technologies. Examples include Bluetooth modules (using the 2.4 GHz band as Wi-Fi) such as the RN-41 Bluetooth modules available from Roving Networks in Los Gatos, Calif.; the KC-41, KC 11.4, KC-5100, KC-216 or KC-225 data serial modules from KC Wireless in Tempe Ariz.; and the BT-21 module from Amp'ed RF wireless solutions in San Jose, Calif. Wi-Fi examples include the Photon manufactured by Particle, Inc. and numerous other Wi-Fi products. Cellular technology examples include the Electron manufactured by Particle, Inc. numerous other cellular products. Wireless protocols that can be utilized with the water meter and leak detection system include, but are not limited to IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11n modulation techniques. An example of the North America 915 MHz frequency is the wireless long range and low power technology known as “LoRa”, which is marketed by many manufactures such as HopeRF (RFM95 W-915S2) and Semetech (SX1276). LoRa can be used with the collection node and the communication hub of the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200. LoRa is a low power wide area network specification intended for wireless battery operation. LoRa includes key requirements of Internet of Things (IoT) such as secure bi-directional communication, mobility, and localization services. Texas Instruments manufactures a competing technology known as the sub-1 GBz with 15.4-star networks (CC1125 or CC1310 device). NB-IoT chipsets and being developed by manufactures such as Snapdragon and Intel, just name a few. Other wireless protocols that can be utilized with the water meter and leak detection system are ZigBee, Z-Wave and IEE 802.15.4 modulation technology. Examples of cellular technology and protocols include CDMA and GSM and numerous other cellular protocols. The Applicant recognizes there are numerous wireless protocols and technologies that have been developed and, although not specifically listed herein, could be utilized with the present invention for data transfer purposes.
To increase wireless range and proved compatibility with wireless routers, the water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
The water meter collection node's electric circuitry includes a generally low power long-range wireless radio and the water meter collection node's power source can be AC or DC voltage, battery, and/or super capacitors. The battery and/or super capacitors can be supplemented with a water turbine electric generator. The water meter collection node communicates wirelessly with the communication hub. The communication hub has a CPU/microprocessor, electrical circuitry with a generally low power long-range wireless radio and a Wi-Fi radio, and a power source (battery or AC or DC voltage). In one embodiment, the communication hub has a first wireless low power long-range LoRa, UNB, NB-IoT, 6LoWPAN, or WiMAX radio 103 that communicates with the water meter collection node (that has a corresponding LoRa, UNB, 6LoWPAN or WiMAX radio). The communication hub has a second wireless Wi-Fi radio that communicates with a wireless router or RF and/or cellular radio that communicates with a private or public corporate network. The communication hub can alternately be hard wired to the router and then the Wi-Fi radio is not a necessary component of the electrical circuitry. The water meter collection node can communicate with one or more water meters collection nodes and/or with one or more communication hubs (using mesh technology and/or point-to-point technology). The communication hub can wireless communicate with one or more water meter collection nodes and/or with one or more communication hubs (using mesh technology and/or point-to-point technology).
The wireless or wire data transfer can be connected to the Internet using the IP or DHCP protocols whereby the water parameter data can be monitored remotely over the Internet using a software program(s) designed to record, display, analyze and/or audit the data. Data access would likely require server log on to perform query and obtain response.
Some wireless routers support a form of point-to-point or bridging operation which could be used to transfer water parameter data from the water meter collection node to a communication hub. Other proprietary protocols can be used with the Water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
While currently the 430 MHz and 900M1 Hz frequencies are commonly used in the United States, it is anticipated by the Applicants that other frequencies could be used for water use and water quality information or data communication transfers.
Cell phones receive and transmit electromagnetic waves that exist between 800 and 2400 megahertz and the most popular protocols are CDMA and W-CDMA, GSM, 3GPP, LTE-M and 5G, EDGE, HSPA and other generations.
Many newer internet protocols have been developed commonly known as an application programming interface (API). An API for website usage is a code that allows two software programs to efficiently communicate with each other. The API defines the proper way for a programmer or developer to write software instructions in the program separate from an operating system or other application. One such API is the RestAPI system which aims for fast performance, reliability, and with the ability to grow, by re-using components that can be managed and updated without affecting the commercial system. A RestAPI uses HTTP requests to GET, PUT, POST and/or DELETE data or send control signals. A RestAPI, also referred to as a RESTful web service, is based on the representational state transfer (REST) technology, an architectural style and approach that has communications often used in web service development. REST technology is generally preferred API protocol because it leverages less bandwidth, making it more suitable for internet and IoT usage. The REST is used by web browser and can be thought of as the language of IoT. With cloud company services on the rise, APIs are being developed to facilitate communication with web services. REST is a logical choice for building APIs that allow users to connect and interact with Cloud services.
ResAPI has a uniform interface, which serves as the interface between clients and servers. The uniform interface simplifies and decouples the REST architecture, which enables the clients and servers to evolve independently. Four guiding principles of the uniform interface are described below.
First by using resources for identified using Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs) as resource identifiers. The identifiers are separated from the representations that are returned to the client. The commercial or private server does not transfer data directly from the database, but rather, utilizes HTML, XML or JSON code that is designed to represent database records expressed in variable width character encoding, depending on the details of the structured query language (SQL) request and the server implementation.
Second, a representation of a resource, including any metadata attached, and the software will verify that it has enough security information to modify or delete the resource on the server only under proper server permissions.
Then, a third process includes that each message includes enough information to describe how to process the message invoking specified content by an Internet media type. Responses also explicitly indicate their cache-ability.
On the fourth process the delivery of data or information utilizes SQL or non-SQL parameters, body content or headers, and requested URI for transmission communications. Computer or servers respond via body content, response codes, and response headers to the request. Hypermedia as the Engine of Application State (HATEOAS) links are contained in the returned body (or headers) to supply the URI for retrieval of the database objects from a remote computer server(s) with database(s).
Stateless or statelessness of the REST architectural style and associated RestAPI protocol handles any sent requests, whether as part of the URI, query-string parameters, body content, or headers. The URI uniquely identifies the resource and the body content contains the state (or state change) of the resource. After server/computer processes the request, the appropriate state (or the piece(s) of state that matter) is communicated back to the requestor via headers, status, and response body. In REST, the client should include all information for the server to fulfill the request. Each request to server must contain all the information necessary to understand the request and cannot take advantage of any stored context on the server.
Well managed caching serves to facilitate client-server interactions, further improving scalability and performance. Since computers and servers are not concerned with the user interface or user state, computer and servers can be simple and scalable. Computers and servers may be replaced and/or developed independently and the RestAPI interface is maintained unaffected.
A user cannot ordinarily determine whether it is connected directly to the computer or server, or to an intermediary computer. Intermediary computers or servers may improve system scalability by enabling load-balancing and by providing shared caches. And RestAPI protocol layers may enforce security policies and provide redundant data storage.
Once a user sets up a service, an activation application delivers a first display to the user on either a display means of the cell or smart phone, computer or similar apparatus 400, smart internet TVs, smart central hub listening and speaker devices, and home control systems, on the water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
The water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
There are several important security techniques that taken as a whole, or in part, function to meet the objectives to, including authentication, integrity, encryption and non-repudiation that provide secure communications.
Two well-known security techniques that utilize public key cryptography are the Public Key Encryption (PEE) and the Digital Signature protocols. PKE is a message or command signal that is encrypted with a recipient's public key. The message cannot be decrypted by any individual or machine that does not possess the matching private key. PKE is a security protocol that is used to maintain confidentiality. Similarly, Digital signatures are also utilized with key pair technology, in association with authentication, integrity and non-repudiation security measures. When a sender sends a message with a digital signature, it includes a one-way hash before sending it, and the recipient uses the sender's public key to decrypt the hash and verify the digital signature. One-way hash is defined as small portion or section of data that can identify and be associated a large volume of data or information that also provided authentication and integrity security measures. Hash functions are known to be resistant to reverse engineering (Secure Hash Algorithm). In some cases, a digital signature is generated by encrypting the hash with the private key such that it can be decrypted using the signers public key. These public/private key pairs and associated certificate key pairs may be computed using prime number and elliptic curve techniques.
Various encryption algorithms include the original RSA algorithm, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), Data Encryption Standard (DES) and Triple DES.
Secure technologies include the Secure Sockets Layer (“SSL”) which creates a secure connection between two communicating programs or applications. SSL is a standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a server and a client-typically a web server and a mail server or a mail client (e.g., Gmail). The SSL protocol are commonly utilized by web browsers and web servers in conjunction with HTTP protocol to perform cryptographically secure web transactions. [[A web resource retrievable with HTTP over SSL is usually represented by the protocol identifier “https” in the URL. Secure HTTP (S-HTTP) provides independently applicable security services for transactions using confidentiality, authenticity and integrity technology.]]
Another security technology is the Internet Protocol Security (“IPSec”) which protects internet protocol traffic across the Internet and is particularly useful for implementing VPNs that utilized tunnel and encryption techniques. Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (“PPTP”) is another secure protocol that allows entities to extend their local network through private “tunnels” over the Internet. Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (“L2TP) is an extension of the PPTP protocol.
A Media Access Control Address (“MAC Address”) is a unique number assigned to a network interface controller for communications with the data link layer of the Open Systems Interconnection Model (OSI Model.) The MAC address is appended to a digital message and provides authentication and integrity for the message.
A further security protocol, the eXtensible Markup Language (XML) Signature associates a cryptographic signature value with Web resources using XML markup. XML signature also provides for the signing of XML data. Javascript object notation (JSON) has become more popular alternative to XML for various reasons, for example, JSON is less verbose than XML which uses more words than necessary and JSON is faster-parsing whereas XML software is generally slow and cumbersome.
The water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
Residential and corporate location identity are particularly relevant in multi-site scenarios, where the water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
Each the water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
It essential that water meter and leak detection systems 10 (126 shown in
It is essential that water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) can also be used in sensor/device to remote receiver situations where encryption and authentication techniques are required. However, many companies and governmental agencies replacing PKI with a two-step authentication procedure using recorded personal information including alternate email addresses and telephone numbers.
A unique identification code registry is maintained within a remote database that is associated with the installation and operation of water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
Encryption, authentication, integrity and non-repudiation may be important characteristics when the water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
The water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
In an alternate embodiment, the encrypted data is transmitted optionally to a local router/server and then across the Internet or cell tower technology, or via directly to a public or private network as it has been described herein. This is accomplished directly by the water meter collection node or by using remote receiving stations or communication hub with Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi3 101 or LoRa, WiNAX, Ultra Narrow Band (UNB), NB-IoT, 6LoWPAN, standard WiFi and (WiFi3 with Wi-Fi extenders) 103 duplex wireless or wired directly to the internet router that communicates to remote servers. In the LoRa or WiMAX (or Ultra Narrow Band (UNB), 6LoWPAN, standard WiFi and WiFi3 with Wi-Fi extenders) 103 wireless communication, the current marketed routers would have to be modified to receive the LoRa, WiMAX (UNB, 6LoWPAN) wireless duplex transmission. This has the advantage that water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
The water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
Software may be designed to validate digital signatures before water use or water quality data or information can be downloaded or allow registered users to upload updated software and/or firmware. The water use data, updated software and/or firmware may incorporate its own code (e.g. RestAPI) to verify digital signatures to ensure that the original software and/or firmware has not been tampered with and is from an authorized source. The uploaded firmware or software can be written in various languages, to name a few, such as Java, JavaScript, NodeJS, Prolog, Haskell, binary executable code, C+ and C++, and ECA Common Language Runtime (“ECMA CLR”). In additional, the Water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
In addition, any stored data, including cached data and data stored in a database, is identified with a digital signature. When the data is retrieved, the digital signature can be used to verify that the data has not been tampered or changed.
Referring now to the drawings and particularly to
The plurality of water pipe unions or joints 30, 32, 34 and 36 can be fabricated from typical metallic or polymeric materials. Male/Female thread consisting of NPT tapered threads, NPSM straight thread (with O-ring or washer sealing technology) or metric thread configuration or other attachment means, such as adhesive, snap fit joint, compression fitting, flare fitting or other technologies can be employed. The plurality of optional display means 12, 14, and 16 and as presented in
The optional display means 12, 14, and 16 can be programmed to display one or more water parameters in a visual means that can be either an analog, character or digital display, or combination of display formats. Information obtained from the appropriate sensors monitoring or measuring the water parameters such as temperature, date/time, and flow rate can be displayed in an appropriate format on the display means.
Also shown in
An optional visual alarm or command can be incorporated into the Water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
The optional visual alarm or command might include visual reference, for example, an in-operative condition, broken sensor, low power source, no flow, reverse flow, and/or some default limits. Programmed visual alarms would allow for individual selection (e.g. volume over set point, flow rate set point, total volume exceeded set points) which might be restricted or not by the default settings.
In addition, an optional auditory alarm can be incorporated into the present invention whereby a preset alarm or programmed alarm, changes the screen display, for example, using sound or pulsing a specific noise, or changing the color of a parameter. For example, the temperature or pressure display can change from green to red when a preset temperature or pressure is beyond a specific or programmed limit. A preset alarm might include visual reference, for example, an in-operative condition, broken sensor, low power source, backward water flow, and some default limits. Programmed auditory alarms would allow for individual selection (e.g. water use over set point, time past set point, flow rate set points) which might be restricted or not by the default settings.
In addition, the water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
Now referring to
An optional temperature sensor 93 with a data transfer means 92 for communicating with the CPU, microprocessor and/or microcontroller 84 and having a power line 96 and ground 97. Also shown is one or more flow sensors 105 (e.g. flow rate, pressure, ultrasonic, turbine, acoustic with a data transfer means 108 for communicating with the CPU, microprocessor and/or microcontroller 84 a power line 106 and ground line 107. Any associated integrated circuits for the timing clock 88, temperature sensor 93 and flow sensor 105 can include circuitry to convert analog data to a digital format. Also shown is a first wireless electronic communication radio or means 58 consisting of Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Z-wave and Zigbee and other similar short-range wireless technology 102 with a data transfer 59. A second wireless electronic communication radio or means 61 with a data transfer 62 consisting Wi-Fi and WiFi3 and other similar wireless technology where data transfer means 62 communicates with the CPU 84. A third wireless electronic communication means 63 with a data transfer means 64 consisting LoRa, WiMAX, Ultra Narrow Band (UMB), NB-IoT, 6LoWPAN and other similar long-range wireless technology where data transfer 64 communicates with the CPU 84. The third wireless communication can also include cellular technology (46 as shown in
Also shown in
An optional water energy generator 95 with data transfer communication 99 for communicating with the CPU (microprocessor and/or microcontroller) 84 with a power line 78 to the main power supply 98. The water energy generator 95 can be a turbine, paddle, Pelton type or other similar technology. Recharging batteries 87 or super capacitors 94 can be accessed from a water-resistant door of the collection node housing or with a water-resistant electrical coupler on the housing where the battery(ies) reside outside of the housing for periodic maintenance.
Also shown is an optional pressure transducer or sensor 65 with date transfer communication 67 and a power line 69 and ground line 68. The optional pressure transducer or sensor 65 can be used to provide pressure waves and changes in pressure when water use devices are actuated. The optional pressure transducer or sensor 65 can also be used to monitor pressure loss over a time when the control valve is closed as a leak test.
In efforts to save energy due to wireless transmission and CPU operations, a wake-up button 104 can be included the function to initialize electrical energy after the system goes into a sleeping mode. The wake-up button has a date communication line 111 to the CPU (microprocessor and/or microcontroller). The wake-up button 104 preferably is controlled by software that automatically initiates monitors water use and wireless communication upon the initiation of water flow.
Main power 98 produces a power line 85 and a ground line 86. The main power 98 is preferably one or more batteries 87 and/or on or more super capacitors 94 as the power source. With the one or more batteries or super capacitors, is would be preferable to have the water energy generator 95 to supplant energy when generated during periods that water flow occurs. An example of long-life batteries that can be used with the water meter and leak detection system 10 (126 shown in
It is anticipated that solar panels (water meter box cover) or wind generator can be also used to supplant electrical energy. It is also anticipated that AC or DC (AC-DC adapter) can be used for electrical energy.
The CPU 84 that processes the information supplied by the flow sensor 105, the optional temperature sensor 93, the optional pressure sensor 65, and timing circuit 88 uses internal instructions to control the information projected on a display, transferring water use data by wired or wireless communication, and for processing leak detection alarm states. The microprocessor can include an EEPROM or any type of memory section that allows for specific programming to be incorporated as processing instructions. Furthermore, the microprocessor may have the capability to convert analog signals into digital information for decoding and processing. The CPU can have Analog-to-Digital Inputs that can provide the means for converting the information obtained from the flow sensor 105, the optional temperature sensor 93, the optional pressure sensor 65 from its analog format into a digitized form for processing by the instruction sets of the CPU or microprocessor 84. It is anticipated by the Applicant that more powerful microprocessors with more memory capacity may be utilized to accommodate the more complex operations. There are many other variants or other microprocessors, whether commercially marketed or privately fabricated, that can be used with the present invention.
In addition, a means to record and digitally story the water parameters or data can be incorporated into the present invention. An integrated memory circuit can be incorporated into the CPU or microprocessor 84, or can be a separate memory circuit, and can include associated circuitry with a means to transfer the recorded data to a removable media, such as a flash mount on an electronic circuit board to control the display means and communicate with the sensors. Various data access ports, such as serial, parallel, or USP can be used to transfer the stored data to another device, such as a computer. The CPU or microprocessor 84 and associated circuitry mounted on the electronic circuit board can also have the capability to be programmed for controlling certain display means (e.g. U.S. or metric units), programming alarm or setting states (e.g. flash all display means red when the total volume has exceeded a certain volume, for example, 175 gallons/day).
Because the water meter and leak detection system (126 shown in
Not shown but could be included with the water meter and leak detection system (126 shown in
As illustrated in
In general, a sensor is a type of transducer. However, most sensors must be paired with an indicator or display, for instance, thermocouple sensor for practical operations. Most sensors are electrical or electronic, although other types exist.
Technological progress allows for more and more to be manufactured on the microscopic scale as micro-sensors using MEMS technology. In most cases a micro-sensor reaches a significantly higher speed and sensitivity compared with macroscopic approaches.
There are many types of sensors that can be used with the present invention. Since a significant small change involves an exchange of energy, sensors can be classified according to the type of energy transfer that they detect. For measuring or monitoring the temperature of the water flowing from the shower or bath head, the use of various thermocouples or thermistor sensors 70 as depicted in
Thermocouples measure the temperature difference between two points, not absolute temperature. In traditional applications, one of the junctions, the cold junction, was maintained at a known (reference) temperature, while the other end was attached to a probe.
A variety of thermocouples are available, suitable for different measurements applications (industrial, scientific, food temperature, medical research, etc.). They are usually selected based on the temperature range and sensitivity needed. Other selection criteria include the inertness of the thermocouple material, and whether or not it is magnetic. The thermocouple types are listed below with the positive electrode first, followed by the negative electrode.
A thermistor is a type of resistor used to measure temperature changes, relying on the change in its resistance with changing temperature. Thermistors can be classified into two types depending on the sign of k. If k is positive, the resistance increases with increasing temperature. If is negative, the resistance decreases with in decreasing temperature, and the device is called a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor.
Other thermal technologies that can be employed include temperature sensors: thermometers, bi-metal thermometers and thermostats, heat sensors such as bolometers and calorimeter.
It is anticipated by the Applicant that various types of thermocouples or thermistors can be used for the present invention. It is not important what type of thermocouple or thermistor is utilized for monitoring the water supply lines except that it is accurate for the appropriate temperature range monitored or measured.
To monitor or measure the flow rate of the water being delivered by the water supply line various flow measuring technologies are applicable to the present invention water meter.
The flow sensor 105 can be fabricated from pressure sensor technology. Pressure sensors are used in numerous ways for control and monitoring in thousands of everyday applications. Pressure sensors can be used in systems to measure other variables such as fluid/gas flow, speed, water level, and altitude. Pressure sensors can be particularly useful in measuring small leaks by shutting of the water supply line and then monitoring the pressure loss over time.
There is also a category of pressure sensors that are designed to measure in a dynamic mode for capturing very high-speed changes in pressure. These sensors are commonly manufactured out of piezoelectric materials like quartz. Pressure sensors can perform as a flow rate sensor (e.g. the differential pressure gauges Motorola MPX5700) or be sensitive types that can sense pressure waves and pressure changes for water pattern analysis. One particular use would be to use the pressure sensor (e.g. ceramic capacitive pressure sensor) to monitor the pressure of a private or public property(ies) after a water control valve has turned off the water supply. The pressure sensor can then measure the decay in pressure reads to observe and indicate small leaks (dripping faucet).
Acoustic sensors are advancing to the point where they can monitor water flow and pressure readings that are approaching accurate quantifiable results. But acoustic sensor original function is to listen and record water valve noises and vibration frequencies. It is anticipated that all water devices have a valve with a unique “open” and “close” noise and vibration frequency. An acoustic sensor can therefore be significantly useful for identifying various water devices such as showers, washing machines, toilets, irrigation valves, bathroom and kitchen faucets, etc. As each of the water use devices is used, the acoustic sensor can specifically identify the particular water use device. This is useful to characterizing water use as shown in
In addition, various flow measuring technologies can be utilized as the flow sensor 105. In general, a flow sensor is a device for sensing the rate of fluid flow. Typically, a flow sensor is the sensing element used in a flow meter, or flow logger, to record the flow of fluids. There are various kinds of flow meters, including some that have a vane that is pushed by the fluid, or similar device. Flow meters are related to devices called velocimeters that measure velocity of fluids flowing through them. Another approach is Doppler-based methods for flow measurement. Hall effect sensors may also be used, on a flapper valve, or vane, to sense the position of the vane, as displaced by fluid flow. Alternatively, pressure sensors can be placed at each node, and the fluid network can be solved by knowing the pressure at every node. Flow meters generally cost more than pressure sensors, so it is often more economical to solve a fluid dynamics network monitoring problem by way of pressure sensors than to use flow meters.
The paddle wheel translates the mechanical action of paddles rotating in the liquid flow around an axis into a user-readable rate of flow (GPM, LPM, etc.). The paddle must be at least partially inserted into the water flow. The Pelton wheel turbine (better described as a radial turbine) translates the mechanical action of the Pelton wheel rotating in the liquid flow around an axis into a user-readable rate of flow (GPM, LPM, etc.). The Pelton wheel tends to have the water flow travelling around it. The turbine flowmeter (better described as an axial turbine) translates the mechanical action of the turbine rotating in the liquid flow around an axis into a user-readable rate of flow (GNP, LPM, etc.).
In addition, various magnetic, ultrasound and Coriolis flow meters can be utilized with the present invention to function as the flow sensor 105. Modern innovations in the measurement of flow rate incorporate electronic devices that can correct for varying pressure and temperature (i.e. density) conditions, non-linearities, and for the characteristics of the fluid. The most common flow meter apart from the mechanical flow meters, is the magnetic flow meter, commonly referred to as a “mag meter” or an “electromag”. A magnetic field is applied to the metering tube, which results in a potential difference proportional to the flow velocity perpendicular to the flux lines. The physical principle at work is Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. The magnetic flow meter requires a conducting fluid, e.g. water, and an electrical insulating pipe surface, e.g. a rubber lined non-magnetic steel or polymeric tube.
Ultrasonic flow meters are becoming more prevalent in water meters and measure the difference of the transit time of ultrasonic pulses propagating in and against flow direction. This time difference is a measure for the average velocity of the fluid along the path of the ultrasonic beam. By using the absolute transit times both the averaged fluid velocity and the speed of sound can be calculated. Using the two transit times tup and tdown and the distance between receiving and transmitting transducers L and the inclination angle α one can write the equations:
Where v is the average velocity of the fluid along the sound path and c is the speed of sound.
Measurement of the Doppler shift resulting in reflecting an ultrasonic beam off the flowing fluid is another recent innovation made possible by electronics. By passing an ultrasonic beam through the water pipe, bouncing it off a reflective plate then reversing the direction of the beam and repeating the measurement the volume of water flow can be estimated. The speed of transmission is affected by the movement of water in the supply pipe and by comparing the time taken to complete the cycle upstream versus downstream the flow of water through the supply pipe can be measured. The difference between the two speeds is a measure of true volume flow. A wide-beam sensor can also be used to measure flow independent of the cross-sectional area of the water supply pipe.
Fluid flow can be measured through the use of a monochromatic laser diode. The laser probe is inserted into a water pipe and turned on, where the light scatters and a small portion is reflected back to the probe. The signal is then processed to calculate flow within the water pipe. There are limitations to the use of a laser Doppler probe; flow within a water pipe is dependent on volume illuminated, which is often assumed rather than measured and varies with the optical properties of the water pipe. In addition, variations in the type and placement of the probe within identical water pipes result in variations in reading. The laser Doppler has the advantage of sampling a small volume of water, allowing for great precision, but does not necessarily represent the flow within an entire water system. The flow meter is more useful for relative rather than absolute measurements.
Multi-jet meters, positive displacement meter, single jet meters, pressure sensors, magnetic, ultrasound and Coriolis flow meters can be utilized with the present invention to function as the flow sensor 105.
In addition, as shown in
Nor referring to
The display means 114, 116, and 118 can be programmed to display one or more parameters in a visual means that can utilize analog, character or digital display technology, or combination of the different display technology. Information obtained from the appropriate sensor monitoring or measuring the water parameters such as temperature, date/time, total volume over time, and flow rate can be displayed in an appropriate format on the display means. For example, when a sensor is monitoring or measuring the rate of water flowing from a water source or through the shower head, the display means could show any flow between 0 gal/min (0 liters/min) to many thousands of gals/day.
Also shown in
Now referring to
The water meter and leak detection system 10, 126 (and 200 in
The water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, (and 200 shown in
Coordination of data packet transmissions from the invasive flow sensor, non-invasive flow sensor, optional pressure sensors, and optional acoustic sensors can be programmed to define a schedule to communicate or transfer data from each sensor. The water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, (and 200 shown in
The software in the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126 (and 200 shown in
Referring to
It is anticipated by the Applicant that separate water shut-off/on mechanisms 310 can located on the water supply line 208 and the irrigation water supply lines. The multiple water shut-off/on mechanisms will have electrical circuitry and wireless radios such they can be controlled remotely through communication and commands/signals with the remote server over the internet from a cell phone APP. It is also anticipated by the Applicants that the water meter with leak detection system 10, 126, 200 with water shut-off/on mechanism 310 can take the place of, and function as, the main water meter and/or incorporate a pressure reduction valve (see
The housing for the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 (with water shut-off/on mechanism 310) can be fabricated from a metallic or polymeric material with sealing technology to protect from moisture damage, excessive heat or freezing conditions.
The joint between the water supply lines 208 and 210 and the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 with water shut-off/on mechanism 310 could be screw and thread fitting, compression fitting, flare fitting, solder, brazed, or sweat joint, adhesive technology and/or use typical plumbing techniques. The joint may be designed to be permanent or removable.
The water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 can incorporate a freeze design feature (not shown) which, before a freezing condition is encountered, activates a freezing mechanism. This technology is commonly called “frost plugs” or “freeze plugs”. This protects the more expensive water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 and private and public building water distribution piping by sacrificing the less expensive and easy to install frost/freeze plug. The optional frost/freeze plug technology is typically used in outside underground pits or poorly heated garages or utility rooms. In some extraordinary freezing situations, the optional frost/freeze plug can be incorporated with a draining mechanism or system (not shown) that allows the water to passively drain from the private or public property(ies) water pipes or forcefully removes the water from the water pipes with a power system. Another method to protect from freezing conditions is to use a three-way control valve whereby the third port drains water from the private or public property(ies). Software will be designed to position the three-way control valve in all three positions. And it is anticipated that in these extraordinary freezing situations, the draining mechanism or system can also replace the water in the water pipes with air, nitrogen or other gas/liquid that have low freezing points and non-toxic conditions, are can withstand the freezing conditions to minimize damage to the water pipes. Furthermore, be communicating with a home router, the Water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 can communicate with intelligent thermostats sending a signal to turn on the residential or corporation heat to a temperature that will inhibit freezing water in the residential and corporation interior water pipes.
The water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 with water shut-off/on mechanism 310 software controls when water is interrupted or allowed to flow into the private or public property(ies) facility or building, or to help program the for scheduled water interruption times (off from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. then on, off again at 11:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. and then on again). A display means 211 can display calendar information, such as the date and current time (12 hr. or 24 hr. format). The water meter collection node 200 can be programmed using a wire or wireless technology such as an alarm system or use touch screen button technology on the display. The display and display housing must be able to sustain capability in outdoor wet and/or hot/freezing conditions. The display 211 can have a background light that is used for various purposes, for example, for providing better lighting conditions or changing color e.g. from green to red, to display an alarming condition. The display can utilize touch screen technology.
One of the key features of the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 is that it has a convenient means that facilitates activation and/or deactivation of the water flow from the main water supply when a private or public property(ies) facility or building when it becomes vacated or unsupervised. In this regard, shown in
For leak detection capability is would be preferred that the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 with a water shut-off/on mechanism 310 include programming instructions with a timing circuit to a user defined time schedule. In this manner, the private or public property(ies) owner may simply establish that the water supply will be shut off or blocked during non-working hours, during a vacation, and/or during sleeping hours. The scheduling could be a daily, weekly, monthly or annual or on a water use basis. The programming of the timing schedule could be input into the CPU of the water meter collection node or the communication hub or receiving station via various methods, e.g. wireless or wired communication with a computer with appropriate software, using the remote controllers, using touch screen technology on the display means, or cell phone, smart phones, or similar electronic mobile apparatus 400.
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The cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus 400 or custom display and/or a recording apparatus 50, 56 and 110 has the convenient function of providing an individual or entity to review water use and water parameter data on a real time basis for auditing or monitoring purposes. The wireless communication means can use radio-frequency, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE) ZigBee Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi3, LoRa, 6LoWPAN, Ultra Narrow Band (UWB), standard cellular or advanced 3GPP, NB-IoT, LTE-M and 5G cellular technology or other wireless technology for transferring the water parameter data generated by the sensors and collected by the microprocessor and sent by wireless communication technology for data transfer through either a private or public network system and/or the optional collection hub or receiving station to an internet router. And command signals can be sent back to the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 with water shut-off/on mechanism 310 or software updates, activate or deactivate the water shut-off/on mechanism. Examples of Bluetooth modules (using the 2.4 GHz band) that can be added to the present invention are the RN-41 Bluetooth modules available from Roving Networks in Los Gatos, Calif., the KC-41, KC 11.4, KC-5100, KC-216 or KC-225 data serial modules from KC Wireless in Tempe Ariz., the Proton or Electron from Particle (formally Spark) in San Francisco, and/or the BT-21 module from Amp'ed RF wireless solutions in San Jose, Calif. Examples of wireless protocols that can be utilized with the present invention include, but are not limited to, the IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11n modulation techniques and the newer protocol associated with Wi-Fi3. Another example of the wireless protocols that can be utilized with the present invention is the ZigBee, Z-wave and IEE 802.15.4 modulation technology. Furthermore, wireless low power and long-range technology known as “LoRa” marketed by many manufactures such as Semetech and the HopeRF RFM95 W-915S2 can be used with the present invention. Ultra Narrow Band chips are marketed by Texas Instruments as CC1125 Ultra High-Performance RF Narrowband Transceiver. Applicants recognize that there are numerous wireless protocols that have been developed that, although not specifically listed, could be utilized with the present invention for data transfer purposes
The water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 with water shut-off/on mechanism 310, that transmits water parameter data to a router that connects to the internet and then to remote computers/servers, can also communicate the water leak condition with a user or owner of a home, condo, apartment or other residence, rental/leased house, condo or apartment or other resident, owner or representative of a company or corporate entity, owner or staff of a hotel/motel, institution facility, and/or a governmental agency, housing or facility using a cellular format technology that refers to all current and future variants, revisions and generations (e.g. third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G) and all future generations) of Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPSR), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), 3GSM, Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DBCT), Digital AMPS (IS-136/TDMA, Integrated Digital Enhance Network (iDEN), HSPA+, WiMAX, LTE, Flash-OFDM, HIPERMAN, WiFi, IBurst, UNTS, W-CDMA, HSPDA+HSUPA, UMTS-TDD and other formats for utilizing cell phone technology, telephony antenna distributions and/or any combinations thereof, and including the use of satellite, microwave technology, the internet, cell tower, telephony and/or public switched telephone network lines. The wireless communication of water leaking conditions can be between the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 with water shut-off/on mechanism 310 and a typical cell phone, smart phones, or similar apparatus includes all remote cellular phones using channel access methods defined above (with cellular equipment, public switched telephone network lines, satellite, tower and mesh technology), mobile phones, PDAs, tablets (e.g. refers to all current and future variants, revisions and generations of the Apple IPAD, Samsung Galaxy, HP, Acer, Microsoft, Nook, Google Nexus, Sony, Kindle and all future tablets manufactured by these and other manufactures), Apple IPOD Touch, or a television, watch, timepiece or fob watch and other similar apparatus with WIFI and wireless capability, and remote computers and controllers having internet or wireless connectivity. The display of the water leaking condition data can be in various pleasing format using digits, analog display, graphics, pictures, charts and/or other characters to exhibit the leaking condition to a user. Also, the transfer of data can use authentication, encryptions, integrity and non-repudiation technology to ensure that data or information is communicated securely.
The water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 with water shut-off/on mechanism 310 can also function to monitor the water use in homes, companies, buildings or other structures by including either sensitive flow sensors, standard invasive flow sensors, (e.g. turbine, Pelton, paddle wheel flow, piston, and pressure sensors and other invasive sensors), non-invasive flow use sensors (e.g. Doppler or time-transit ultrasonic, laser or magnetic flow sensors and other non-invasive flow use sensors) to communicate either or both the inside and/or irrigation water flow use on a real time, daily, weekly, monthly, and/or yearly basis or on a water use basis. Such water flow use data can be transferred to a remote central monitoring computer service, municipality or government agency, via cell towers, satellite, microwave technology, the internet, telephone lines, and the like. The water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 that transfer water parameters and data to the internet and to remote computer/servers can also communicate with a user or owner of a home, condo, apartment or other residence, rental/leased house, condo or apartment or other resident, owner or representative of a company or corporate entity, owner or staff of a hotel/motel, institution facility, and/or a governmental agency, housing or facility using a cellular format technology that refers to all current and future variants, revisions and generations (e.g. third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G) and all future generations) of Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPSR), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), 3GSM, Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), Digital AMPS (IS-136/TDMA, Integrated Digital Enhance Network (iDEN), HSPA+, WiMAX, LTE, Flash-OFDM, HIPERMAN, Wi-Fi, IBurst, UMTS, W-CDMA, HSPDA+HSUPA, UNTS-TDD and other formats for utilizing cell phone technology, telephony antenna distributions and/or any combinations thereof, and including the use of satellite, microwave technology, Wi-Fi, WIMAX, Wi-Fi3, LoRa technology, the internet, cell tower, telephony and/or public switched telephone network lines. The wireless communication of real time, daily, monthly, weekly, monthly, and/or yearly water indoor and irrigation water use can be between the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 and a typical cell phone, smart phones, or similar apparatus includes all remote cellular phones using channel access methods defined above (with cellular equipment, public switched telephone network lines, satellite, tower and mesh technology), mobile phones, PDAs, tablets (e.g. refers to all current and future variants, revisions and generations of the Apple IPAD, Samsung Galaxy, HP, Acer, Microsoft, Nook, Google Nexus, Sony, Kindle and all future tablets manufactured by these and other manufactures), Apple IPOD Touch, or a television, watch, timepiece or fob watch and other similar apparatus with WIFI and wireless capability, and remote computers and controllers having internet or wireless connectivity. The display of the indoor and irrigation water use data can be in various pleasing format using digits, analog displays, graphics, pictures, charts and/or other characters to exhibit the water use to a user. Also, the transfer of data can use authentication, encryptions, integrity and non-repudiation technology to ensure that data or information is communicated securely. The sensitive water flow sensors, standard invasive flow sensors, (e.g. turbine, Pelton, paddle wheel flow, piston, and pressure sensors and other invasive sensors), non-invasive flow use sensors (e.g. Doppler or time-transit ultrasonic, laser or magnetic flow sensors and other non-invasive flow use sensors) with transceivers can have an extended battery life by utilizing the interval wireless communications or transmissions and with a long lasting battery pack, such as, for example, the Tadiran series of batteries manufactured by Tadiran U.S. Battery in Lake Success, N.Y. Some candidates for use with the present invention water meter with leak detection system 10, 126, 200 are the standard or rechargeable lithium industrial type batteries, LiSOCl2 bobbin or serial type batteries, one or more super capacitors, or LiSOCl2 bobbin type with hybrid supercapacitor. Or with a turbine, paddle wheel or Pelton wheel energy generator 95 in hydraulic communication with the water supply line, solar energy, or wind energy, a rechargeable battery or super capacitor can be utilized. In addition, the batteries can be recharging type and accessed with an electrical coupler accessed from the outside of the sensitive flow sensors with transceivers. Or the flow sensors can be powered by low voltage AC e.g. 24 volts AC, or DC current. High voltage current e.g. 240 or 120 volts can also be used and if necessary, the voltage can be reduced with transformers and the like.
Referring to
An option of the application 410 is shown as a decisional text message 413 inquiring if the individual would like the water turned off and sent to display 402 of the cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus 400. The cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus 400 would preferably have incorporated GPS technology that can determine the location of the cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus, and know or saved the home or water meter with leak detection system 10, 126, 200 locations. Triangulation techniques between cell towers can also be used if the cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus 400 does not have GPS capability. The application 402 could or will have a routine that can program the distance from the water meter and leak detection system 200 that an individual desire to be provided a notice of the decisional text message. If the water is not turned off when the individual leaves the private or public property(ies), and the cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus 400 has been programmed for a set distance from the water meter collection node or optional communication hub e.g. ¼ mile, then the decisional text message 417, for example, “Should I turn off the water supply”, will be sent to the cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus 400. The rational for the decisional text message is that, for the present invention to function as a water damage prevention system, substantial compliance with routine turning off the water when a private or public property(ies) in unoccupied is necessary. The decisional text message 417 provides the individual a soft button “yes” 412 to turn off the water at the collection node of the Water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 or “no” 414 and leave the collection node of the water meter and leak detection 10, 126, 200 with the water control valve on. Hard button activators 416a, 416b and 416c can also be used to communicate with the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 that transfers water parameter data to the internet and then to remote computers/servers for cell phones, smart phones or a similar apparatus that a display screens or no touch screen capability. For example, hard button 416a can communication with the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 to turn the water system on, hard button 416b can communication with the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 to turn the water system off, and hard button 416c can communication with water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 to open a schedule page.
Another optional decisional text message 410 can sent to the cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus 400 if one of the optional highly sensitive flow sensors and 123 detects a leaking condition. The text message could specify “Leak found in kitchen area, should I turn of the water supply”. The decisional text message 410 provides the individual a soft button “yes” 412 to turn off the water at the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 or “no” 414 and leave the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 with the water control valve on. Hard button activators 416a, 416b and 416c can also be used to communicate with the water meter with leak detection system 10, 126, 200 for cell phones, smart phones or a similar apparatus that a limited display screens or no touch screen capability. This optional leak detection message could also be sent the insurance or municipality agency monitoring station by PSTN or wireless means to notify of the leakage condition. It is also anticipated by the Applicant that the leak detection message could also be transferred to the supplying municipality to inform them of the leak such that the municipality can act to repair the leak condition.
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The example of an application or page (APP) 300 for Water Use 302 can also have a weekly 320 graph 322 with days 324. At the right side of the example first application or page (APP) 300 is the weekly total use of water 326 and the weekly total cost in dollars (or other currency) 328 that has been downloaded the data 340 from the registered or serving water municipality. Within the weekly graph 322 is a plotted line 327 that shows the daily water use. The plotted line 327 can have a rolling feature whereby new data replaces the oldest data in the graph. A gallon or liter scale can be included on the left side of the weekly graph 322 (not shown).
The example of an application or page (APP) 300 for Water Use 302 can also have a monthly 334 graph 330 with months 332. At the right side of the example first application or page (APP) 300 is the monthly total use of water 336 and the monthly total cost in dollars (or other currency) 338 that has been downloaded the data 340 from the registered or serving water municipality. Within the monthly graph 330 is a plotted line 337 that shows the daily water use. The plotted line 337 can have a rolling feature whereby new data replaces the oldest data in the graph. A gallon or liter scale can be included on the left side of the monthly graph 330 (not shown).
The water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 is designed to transfer data and information by utilizing the wireless communication with the one or more remote display and/or recorder apparatus, or cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus whereby the remote display and/or recorder apparatus or cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus can automatically convert back and forth from radio frequency format, ZigBee or Bluetooth format to a cellular format technology to accommodate different range requirements.
For the optional Water Quality sensors 350, shown is a Frequency Soft Button which allows the user to define the time period, daily, weekly or monthly. A user, whether it is a home owner or company representative, who can Set Limits 372 for water quality to command the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 to turn the water completely off, limit the flow, or sound a verbal or audio alarm. It is anticipated that the servicing and registered water municipality or other source can upload Set Limits 372 to the individual water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 (with water shut-off/on mechanism 310). It addition, the Set Alarms 374 for water use can be used to display visually or provide audio signals of alarming conditions associated with the daily, weekly or monthly water use.
As
Typical cell phones, smart phones, and similar apparatuses 400 may have one or more means of communication that can be established with a particular water meter and leak detections system 10, 126, 200 for wireless communication. The use of Bluetooth wireless technology 420a is commonly a feature found on many cell phones, smart phones and similar apparatus. Such Bluetooth wireless communication 420a can be a means to communicate with the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 with water shut-off/on mechanism 310 to turn the water on or off or receive decisional text messages 410. Zigbee is another wireless technology that can be used. However, most current cell phones, smart phones or similar apparatus 400 do not possess Zigbee wireless capability.
The use of Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 family of wireless local area network) and upcoming Wi-Fi3 wireless technology 420b is commonly a feature found on many cell phones, smart phones and similar apparatus 400 and wireless routers/servers. Such Wi-Fi wireless communication 420b can be a means to communicate remotely from a router/server directly to, or by the communication hub circuitry to the collection node circuitry of the water meter and leak detections system 10, 126, 200 with water shut-off/on mechanism 310 to turn the water on or off or receive text messages. The water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 can have the capability to receive and transfer wireless signals and decisional text messages 410 using Wi-Fi technology directly to the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 with water shut-off/on mechanism 310. Alternately, the Wi-Fi communication 420b will communicate with a wireless router/server that has a HTML or other communication-based interface and configuration page graphic user interfaces. Remote access from the cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus 400 could use a short message service (SMS) interface and/or voice of Internet Protocol (VOIP) which communicates with the wireless router. This Wi-Fi technology will access the internet through the wireless router and can recognize the cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus 400 phone number for remote capability using SMS interface. A digit numbers security can be used to maintain restricted integrity. Wireless Transmitters and Receivers can be used for Wi-Fi communication 420b to the water mater and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 for individuals lacking internet capability at their residence.
The use of cellular wireless technology 420c is a primary feature of cells phones, smart phones and similar apparatus. Such cellular wireless communication 420c can be a means to communicate with the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 with water shut-off/on mechanism 310 to turn the water on or off or to receive text messages.
The application 410 can have to interface with the Bluetooth 420a, WIFI 420b, or cellular 420c wireless communication means, and send instructions to a specific “paired” Water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 with water shut-off/on mechanism. Various pairing methods between the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 with water shut-off/on mechanism 310 and the cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus 400 are contemplated to be necessary to ensure that proper communication is established between a single and unique water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 in addition to one or more unique cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus 400. A Quick Response Code (QR code) unit address located on water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 can communicate with a cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus 400 having a camera to read QR and establish link to the water meter and leak detection system 200. Standard barcodes or QR codes could would to pair and establish a link between the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 with water shut-off/on mechanism 310 and the cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus 400. Near field link and RFID chip technology can also be used to facilitate pairing and establish a link between the water meter and leak detections system 10, 126, 200 and the cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus 400. Currently bar code readers are applications that can be downloaded for a particular cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus operation system. Near field links are only recently becoming available on Samsung smart phones, but this technology may be expanded to many, if not all, cell phones, smart phones or similar apparatus.
In operation, an individual who wants to turn off the water system would touch the off the soft button 408 or reply to the text message to turn off the water system “yes” soft button 412, or push the hard button 416b on the a cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus 400 which will communication with the water/energy use monitoring display apparatus 10, 200 via the internet, wireless technology (e.g. Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi3, Ultra Narrow Band (UNB), LoRa, WiMAX, 6LoWPAN, and/or cellular format technology (NB-IoT, standard cellular GSM/CDMA technology, cellular 3GPP, cellular LTE-M and 5G) and then the paired water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 with water shut-off/on mechanism 310 would turn off the water system off and then when completed (specified by switches and/or a flow sensor) will send a returned communication signal to the a cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus 400 and turn on signal (audio or visual) message 409 that the water system is off. Comparable, an individual who wants to turn on the water system would touch the “on” the soft button 404 or reply to the text message to turn off the water system 410 “no” soft button 412, or push the hard button 416a on the a cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus 400 which will communication with water meter and leak detections system 10, 126, 200 with water shut-off/on mechanism 310 via the internet, wireless technology (e.g. Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi3, Ultra Narrow Band (UNB), LoRa), WiMAX, 6LoWPAN and/or cellular format technology (NB-IoT 6LoWPAN, standard cellular GSM/CDMA technology, cellular 3GPP, cellular LTE-M, NB-IoT and 5G) and then the paired water meter and leak detection system 200 would turn off the water system off and then when completed (specified by switches and/or a flow sensor) will send a returned communication signal to the a cell phone, smart phone or similar apparatus 400 and turn on signal (audio or visual) message 409 that the water system is off.
The cell or mobile phone, smart phone, or similar apparatus 400, computer, cell phone, smart phone and similar apparatus, smart internet TVs, smart central hub listening and speaker devices, and home control systems, is used to wirelessly communicate with the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 (with water shut-off/on mechanism 310) via router/internet/remote servers. The cell or mobile phone, smart phone, or similar apparatus 400, computer, cell phone, smart phone and similar apparatus, smart internet TVs, smart central hub listening and speaker devices, and home control systems, preferably have downloaded programs or applications (“APPs”) that communicated with the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 (with water shut-off/on mechanism 310) for displaying water use, energy use and water quality as described herein. The cell or mobile phone, smart phone, or similar apparatus 400, computer, cell phone, smart phone and similar apparatus, smart internet TVs, smart central hub listening and speaker devices, and home control systems, that downloaded program or applications (“APPs”) can specifically turning on and off the water supply to a private or public property(ies) when it is not occupied either directly using a soft button of the APP or program a schedule using the APP. The water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 (with water shut-off/on mechanism 310) is not only designed to monitor for water use, energy use, and water quality, but to monitor of leak detection conditions and provide text messages, alerts signals, or emails regarding water leak conditions. The water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200 (with water shut-off/on mechanism 310) can be programmed by the user to automatically shut off the water supply when a leak condition is observed. For purposes of brevity, water use data, water energy data, water quality data and leak detection signals and alerts utilizing the communication means described below.
The following remote computer components manage the main elements of the remote computer service, but this only exemplary and is not so limited. Several of the component defined and described can be replaces by a newly design operation(s), combine operations, or eliminate some operation(s). Professional companies, such as Amazon Web Services, handle most if not all of, the OSS and BSS services, database access, connectivity and database maintenance (e.g. SQL databases like MySQL, MariaSQL, and Aurora, Redshift, and non-SQL databases like Dynamodb), server component access and maintenance and load balancing, all for a cost base on various factors. Data access by cell phones, mobile phones, and similar apparatus 400, and remote computers can access the commercial database using certain protocols.
There are large cloud-computing companies with several computer server farms around the world that supplant the independent comprehensive internet infrastructure and communication network. Companies like Amazon®, Microsoft®, Oracle® and Google® have all built a significant quantity of computing infrastructure. Their data centers are vastly bigger, and significantly more efficient, than those operated by or could be built by most other independent companies. The cloud-computing companies with their worldwide server farms allow for scalable and redundant data storage capabilities (Redundant Array of Independent Disks or RAID technology). The large cloud-computer companies can temporarily extend or customize the functionality for a client by transferring logic to it that it can execute. Examples of this may include compiled components such as Java applets and client-side scripts such as JavaScript. Complying with these constraints, and thus conforming to the REST architectural style (REST an acronym for REpresentational State Transfer), which will enable any kind of distributed hypermedia system to have desirable emergent properties, such as performance, scalability, simplicity, modifiability, visibility, portability and reliability (RestAPI). These large companies are presently marketing and rented out their computing capacity to developers and companies around the world. The developer or company doesn't have to incur the capital expense associated with designing network connectivity system, employing various Information technology (IT) professionals, purchasing the necessary computers and servers, developing the custom and non-custom software and conducting the significant maintenance procedures.
A programmer/developer or a company simply pays for the cloud-computing services. Using the cloud-computing services provide the developer and company access to fundamentally unlimited computing power marketed by the cloud computing companies without must incur the expenses for developing and maintaining a private or corporate computer infrastructure.
There are various services, divided into certain categories, that are provided by the cloud computing companies. Infrastructure as a Service, or “IaaS,” is the most basic layer of cloud computing. It provides customers with virtual servers and database storage and Internet of Things (IoT) sensor communication and access. Platform as a Service, or “PaaS,” which is the set of application tools and services that make it easier for developers and IT professionals to build applications without the capital expense of purchasing software for application development. Software as a Service, or SaaS, which refers to applications that run in the cloud like Microsoft's Office 365, Google's G Suite and Salesforce's products for sales and marketing.
The plan for a cloud-computing companies is to make their services indispensable to both independent software developers and small, medium and large companies. Customers might venture into cloud computing with a single software application (APP) but as their businesses grow, their cloud-computer needs increase and the cloud-computing service companies are expecting that their cloud usage and revenue will increase. Amazons has increased their presence in the cloud industry, by sacrificing short term profits to enhance the customer experience and maximize long-term gain. The more customers a cloud platform provider contracts with, the more servers and serving farms under their control can be developed. And the more servers the cloud-computing companies have, the better they can take advantage of economies of scale and offer customers lower prices for more robust features, including appeal to large enterprises. The efforts to market cloud-computing services supports that the near future of internet infrastructures and communication networks will increasing be controlled and maintained by the large cloud-computing companies.
Specific communication protocols are becoming important to interface between the cloud-computing companies and the company's local or cloud database for computer, cell phone, smart phone and similar apparatus, smart internet TVs, smart central hub listening and speaker devices, and home control systems, access to acquire requested data (e.g. SQL database requests) and perform instructional activities (turn on/off water). Of these protocols, the Representational state transfer or RestAPI (or REST API), SOAP API, Java API or XML API seem to be appropriate.
Once a user sets up a service, an activation application 494 delivers a first display to the user on either a display means of the computer, cell phone, smart phone, mobile phone or similar apparatus 400, computer, cell phone, smart phone and similar apparatus, smart internet TVs, smart central hub listening and speaker devices, and home control systems, on the water meter and leak detection system 200 and/or on a display means on the remote devices 480. This pairing technology or other application secure means associates a new user with a purchased or installed remote device and the water meter and leak detection system 10, 126, 200.
A number of applications provided by the large cloud-computing companies ensure overall management of the computer infrastructure and network service. These pre-defined applications are configured to offer off-the-shelf programs and operating systems solutions management of the integrated cloud-computing system service, overall service monitoring, customer support, and reporting.
While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure that arise from known or customary practice and the art to which this invention pertains, and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/061,178 filed on Feb. 4, 2016 and is incorporated herein by this reference. This Applicant claims priority from co-pending Provisional Patent Application No. 62/646,339 filed on Mar. 21, 2018 entitled “Water Meter and Leak Detection System” and co-pending Provisional Patent Application No. 62/795,529 filed on Jan. 22, 2019, both of which are incorporated by reference herein its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62646339 | Mar 2018 | US | |
| 62795529 | Jan 2019 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15016178 | Feb 2016 | US |
| Child | 16356870 | US |
