Scalable system and methods for monitoring and controlling a sanitary facility using distributed connected devices
First Claim
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1. A scalable home automation system for monitoring, managing and controlling a sanitary facility and elements that comprise said sanitary facility by one or several connected devices that communicate with one another through a system network, said system network able to be physically divided into several sub-networks, comprising one or more of:
- a wireless network, the wireless network using a wireless protocol comprising one or more of Zigbee, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), or Internet Protocol version 6 over Low-Power Wireless Personal Area Networks (6LoWPAN);
a wired network, the wired network using a wired protocol comprising one or more of Ethernet, or HomePlug;
ora mobile network, the mobile network using a mobile protocol comprising one or more of General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), or Long-Term Evolution (LTE); and
said one or several connected devices comprises;
one or more hardware and software to establish a connection over an internet network through the system network;
an electronic interface comprising;
a logic processing unit configured to execute a software that allows the logic processing unit to carry out its function or functions;
hardware and software to communicate with the other connected devices of said system through the system network;
hardware and software to ensure a repeater functionality in order to extend a range of at least one signal over a transmission support of the system network to provide interconnection of the connected devices;
hardware and software to ensure a gateway functionality in order to interconnect two sub-system networks each using a different protocol;
hardware and software in order to communicate with one or more remote terminals that are connected to the Internet, the remote terminals comprising one or more of Smartphones, touchscreen tablets, computers, or servers;
hardware and software in order to carry out its function or functions by using information communicated by other connected devices;
hardware and software configured to carry out its function or functions by using the information or commands communicated by the remote terminals connected to the Internet;
hardware and software configured to transmit alert messages or information to the remote terminals; and
wherein the system is configured to;
react to signals sent by one of the connected devices indicating that a valve has not closed or to signals sent by one or more connected devices indicating that at least one of the connected device has detected humidity, and said reaction comprises closing the valve and sending a “
closing”
alert over the system network;
measure a flow rate (D) supplied by a flow rate sensor;
verify the flow rate (D)>
0 l/min and returning to the react step otherwise;
verify that the valve is not closed which means that it is in fault and switch directly to send a “
closing fault”
alert so as to alert the connected device;
calculate a residual flow rate (Dj), wherein the residual flow rate (Dj)=the flow rate (D)−
a sum of flow rates measured by a flow rate sensor recorded in a list “
od”
(Σ
Di);
verify that the residual flow rate (Dj) is greater than 0; and
apply an alert method as a parameter of the residual flow rate (Dj) on the basis of a determination that the residual flow rate (Dj) is not in a normal operating zone.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system to control and to monitor the entirety of a sanitary facility by using various specialized connected devices that are distributed throughout the sanitary facility, communicating with one another and over the internet network. Each one of these connected devices carries out its function or functions by using the information communicated by the other connected devices. Each one of these connected devices carries out its function or some of its functions independently in the event of a breakdown in the communication with the other connected devices. From the mobile or fixed apparatuses such as a Smartphone, touchscreen tablet, computer, server, etc. that are connected to the Internet, the user or users can interact with the connected devices, can be alerted in real time to malfunctions, and can receive information regarding the condition of the sanitary facility.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A scalable home automation system for monitoring, managing and controlling a sanitary facility and elements that comprise said sanitary facility by one or several connected devices that communicate with one another through a system network, said system network able to be physically divided into several sub-networks, comprising one or more of:
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a wireless network, the wireless network using a wireless protocol comprising one or more of Zigbee, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), or Internet Protocol version 6 over Low-Power Wireless Personal Area Networks (6LoWPAN); a wired network, the wired network using a wired protocol comprising one or more of Ethernet, or HomePlug;
ora mobile network, the mobile network using a mobile protocol comprising one or more of General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), or Long-Term Evolution (LTE); and said one or several connected devices comprises; one or more hardware and software to establish a connection over an internet network through the system network; an electronic interface comprising; a logic processing unit configured to execute a software that allows the logic processing unit to carry out its function or functions; hardware and software to communicate with the other connected devices of said system through the system network; hardware and software to ensure a repeater functionality in order to extend a range of at least one signal over a transmission support of the system network to provide interconnection of the connected devices; hardware and software to ensure a gateway functionality in order to interconnect two sub-system networks each using a different protocol; hardware and software in order to communicate with one or more remote terminals that are connected to the Internet, the remote terminals comprising one or more of Smartphones, touchscreen tablets, computers, or servers; hardware and software in order to carry out its function or functions by using information communicated by other connected devices; hardware and software configured to carry out its function or functions by using the information or commands communicated by the remote terminals connected to the Internet; hardware and software configured to transmit alert messages or information to the remote terminals; and wherein the system is configured to; react to signals sent by one of the connected devices indicating that a valve has not closed or to signals sent by one or more connected devices indicating that at least one of the connected device has detected humidity, and said reaction comprises closing the valve and sending a “
closing”
alert over the system network;measure a flow rate (D) supplied by a flow rate sensor; verify the flow rate (D)>
0 l/min and returning to the react step otherwise;verify that the valve is not closed which means that it is in fault and switch directly to send a “
closing fault”
alert so as to alert the connected device;calculate a residual flow rate (Dj), wherein the residual flow rate (Dj)=the flow rate (D)−
a sum of flow rates measured by a flow rate sensor recorded in a list “
od”
(Σ
Di);verify that the residual flow rate (Dj) is greater than 0; and apply an alert method as a parameter of the residual flow rate (Dj) on the basis of a determination that the residual flow rate (Dj) is not in a normal operating zone. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. Method of configuring flow rate sensors of a scalable home automation system for monitoring, managing and controlling a sanitary facility and elements, wherein the system comprises:
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the sanitary facility by one or several connected devices that communicate with one another through a system network, said system network configured for physically division into several sub-networks, comprising one or more of; a wireless network, the wireless network using a wireless protocol comprising one or more of Zigbee, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), or Internet Protocol version 6 over Low-Power Wireless Personal Area Networks (6LoWPAN); a wired network, the wired network using a wired protocol comprising one or more of Ethernet, or HomePlug;
ora mobile network, the mobile network using a mobile protocol comprising one or more of General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), or Long-Term Evolution (LTE); said one or several connected devices comprises; one or more hardware and software in order to establish a connection over an internet network through the system network; an electronic interface that comprises; a logic processing unit configured to execute a software that allows it to carry out its function or functions; hardware and software in order to communicate with all of the other connected devices of said system through the system network; hardware and software in order to ensure a repeater functionality in order to extend a range of at least one signal over a transmission support of the system network in order to provide interconnection of all of the connected devices; hardware and software in order to ensure a gateway functionality in order to interconnect two sub-system networks each using a different protocol; hardware and software in order to communicate with a remote terminal connected to the Internet, the remote terminal comprising one or more of such as Smartphones, touchscreen tablets, computers, or servers; hardware and software in order to carry out its function or functions by using information communicated by other connected devices; hardware and software in order to carry out its function or functions by using the information or commands communicated by the remote terminal connected to the Internet; hardware and software in order to transmit alert messages or information to the remote terminals; a “
sensor-actuator”
comprising;a water inlet fitting at one end and a water outlet fitting at another end which allows for a connection of said “
sensor-actuator”
connected device on a pipe of the sanitary facility;an electric valve, by using an electric signal, controlling a flow rate of the water circulating in the pipe whereon said “
sensor-actuator”
connected device is mounted;a flow rate sensor supplying an electric signal, said electric signal having at least one characteristic variable according to the flow rate circulating in the pipe whereon said connected device called “
sensor-actuator”
is mounted; andsaid method comprises; creating a template with the flow rate (D)=0 l/min ∀
time (t);detecting the other devices connected to the system; defining the connected device that integrates the electric valve that supplies with water said flow rate sensor and allowing the logic processing unit to record this electric valve in a variable referred to as “
A”
;a series of steps of defining the connected devices that are directly supplied with water by said flow rate sensor and allowing the logic processing unit to execute the following algorithm; record in a first list an electric valve; record in a second list a flow rate sensor; record in a third list a humidity sensor; and a series of steps, by the logic processing unit, developing the template that sets the operating limits for the water points that do not have a dedicated connected device integrating a flow rate sensor and of which the supply with water is directly controlled by said flow rate sensor configured by said method.
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18. Method for monitoring flow rate sensors of a scalable home automation system for monitoring, managing and controlling a sanitary facility and elements, wherein the system comprises:
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the sanitary facility by one or several connected devices that communicate with one another through a system network, said system network able to be physically divided into several sub-networks, comprising one or more of; a wireless network, the wireless network using a wireless protocol comprising one or more of Zigbee, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), or Internet Protocol version 6 over Low-Power Wireless Personal Area Networks (6LoWPAN); a wired network, the wired network using a wired protocol comprising one or more of Ethernet, or HomePlug;
ora mobile network, the mobile network using a mobile protocol comprising one or more of General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), or Long-Term Evolution (LTE); said one or several connected devices comprise; one or more hardware and software in order to establish a connection over an internet network through the system network an electronic interface that comprises; a logic processing unit that executes a software that allows it to carry out its function or functions; hardware and software in order to communicate with all of the other connected devices of said system through the system network; hardware and software in order to ensure a repeater functionality in order to extend a range of at least one signal over a transmission support of the system network in order to provide interconnection of the connected devices; hardware and software in order to ensure a gateway functionality in order to interconnect two sub-system networks each using a different protocol; hardware and software in order to communicate with a remote terminal connected to the Internet, the remote terminals comprising one or more of such as Smartphones, touchscreen tablets, computers, or servers; hardware and software in order to carry out its function or functions by using information communicated by other connected devices; hardware and software in order to carry out its function or functions by using the information or commands communicated by the remote terminals that are connected to the Internet; hardware and software in order to transmit alert messages or information to the remote terminals; and said method for monitoring comprises; a reaction step wherein the logic processing unit reacts to signals sent by one of the connected devices indicating that an electric valve has not closed or to signals sent by one of the connected devices indicating that the connected device has detected humidity, and said reaction by the logic processing unit comprises of closing the electric valve “
A” and
in sending a “
closing”
alert over the system network;measuring the flow rate (D) supplied by the flow rate sensor monitored by said method; verifying the flow rate (D)>
0 l/min, and returning to the reaction step otherwise;verifying that the electric valve “
A”
is not closed which means that it is in fault and switch directly to send a “
closing fault”
alert so as to alert the connected device that is supplying it and return to the reaction step;a series of looped steps calculating a residual flow rate (Dj) wherein the residual flow rate (Dj)=the flow rate (D)−
a sum of flow rates measured by the flow rate sensor recorded in a list “
od”
(Σ
Di);verifying that the residual flow rate (Dj) is greater than 0 and returning otherwise to the reaction step; and a step that uses a template developed during a configuration in order to apply an alert method as a parameter of the residual flow rate (Dj) on the basis of a determination that the residual flow rate (Dj) is not in a normal operating zone.
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19. Alert method of the flow rate sensors of a scalable home automation system for monitoring, managing and controlling a sanitary facility and elements, wherein the system comprises:
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the sanitary facility by one or several connected devices that communicate with one another through a system network, said system network able to be physically divided into several sub-networks, comprising one or more of; a wireless network, the wireless network using a wireless protocol comprising one or more of Zigbee, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), or Internet Protocol version 6 over Low-Power Wireless Personal Area Networks (6LoWPAN); a wired network, the wired network using a wired protocol comprising one or more of Ethernet, or HomePlug;
ora mobile network, the mobile network using a mobile protocol comprising one or more of General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), or Long-Term Evolution (LTE); said one or several connected devices comprises; one or more hardware and software in order to establish a connection over an internet network through the system network an electronic interface that comprises; a logic processing unit that executes a software that allows it to carry out its function or functions; hardware and software in order to communicate with all of the other connected devices of said system through the system network; hardware and software in order to ensure a repeater functionality in order to extend a range of at least one signal over a transmission support of the system network in order to provide interconnection of the connected devices; hardware and software in order to ensure a gateway functionality in order to interconnect two sub-system networks each using a different protocol; hardware and software in order to communicate with a remote terminal connected to the Internet, the remote terminals comprising one or more of such as Smartphones, touchscreen tablets, computers, or servers; hardware and software in order to carry out its function or functions by using information communicated by other connected devices; hardware and software in order to carry out its function or functions by using the information or commands communicated by the remote terminals that are connected to the Internet; hardware and software in order to transmit alert messages or information to the remote terminals; and said alert method comprises; closing the electric valve “
A” and
transmitting a “
break”
alert over the system network before ending the method;checking that no user instruction is in progress and which ends the method otherwise; a step that uses a template developed during a configuration in order to switch to the closing steps based on a determination that the residual flow rate is in the break alert zone or to switch to the checking step based on a determination that the residual flow rate is not in the break alert zone; checking that no alert has already been sent; closing alert steps wherein the connected device cuts off water at the outlet and transmit a closing alert over the system network before ending the method; transmitting a “
leak”
alert over the system network before ending the method; andswitching to the closing alert steps based on a determination that alerts have already been transmitted or switch to the transmitting a leak alert step based on a determination that alerts have not been transmitted.
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Specification
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Current AssigneeWater Manager, Sarl
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Original AssigneeWater Manager, Sarl
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InventorsSomajini, Claude
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Primary Examiner(s)Dunn, Darrin D
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Application NumberUS15/544,418Publication NumberTime in Patent Office1,380 DaysField of SearchUS Class CurrentCPC Class CodesG05B 15/02 electricH04L 12/2803 Home automation networksH04Q 2209/30 using a wired architectureH04Q 2209/40 using a wireless architectureH04Q 2209/60 for transmitting utility me...H04Q 2209/823 where the data is sent when...H04Q 9/00 Arrangements in telecontrol...
