METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A VOICE-PROMPTED ELECTRICAL HOOKUP

• US 20090226869A1
• Filed: 03/02/2009
• Published: 09/10/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/04/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Power Monitors, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Power Monitors, Inc.
• Inventors: Curt, Walter, Mullins, Christopher
• Granted Patent: US 9,202,383 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 434/321
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 19/2513 Arrangements for monitoring electric power systems, e.g. power lines or loads; Logging
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/67 Testing the correctness of wire connections in electric apparatus or circuits
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/69 of terminals at the end of a cable or a wire harness; of plugs; of sockets, e.g. wall sockets or power sockets in appliances
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 23/186 for digital electronics; for computers, e.g. microprocessors
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/04 with audible presentation of the material to be studied sound recording or reproducing G11B
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/641 by indicating incorrect coupling; by indicating correct or full engagement
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/56 characterised by the condition upon which the selective controlling is based
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/14 by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 70/3225 Demand response systems, e.g. load shedding, peak shaving
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/222 Demand response systems, e.g. load shedding, peak shaving

Abstract

A method and system for connecting monitoring equipment is provided. A user is provided with instant voice feedback as they are connecting monitoring equipment. Such feedback can reduce or eliminate confusing hookup instructions and enable the user to use both hands to safely connect the equipment without the distraction of looking at hard-to-read probe markings or connection labels. The use of a voice output reduces or avoids problems of poor visibility and reduced hearing in typical industrial environments, using arc flash safety gear.

Claims

1. A method of connecting a monitoring device to an electrical system comprising:

determining a connection configuration including a plurality of connections between the monitoring device and the electrical system;

prompting a user to make one of the plurality of connections between the monitoring device and the electrical system; and

providing feedback to the user if the one of the plurality of connections is incorrectly made.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein a controller determines whether to provide the feedback to the user.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein providing the feedback includes producing audio feedback with a voice output unit that is in communication with the controller.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the audio feedback includes at least a portion of voice feedback.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the voice output unit and the controller are in wireless communication.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the controller transmits voice feedback to the voice output unit using frequency modulation broadcasts.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising reconfiguring the connection configuration if the one of the plurality of connections is made incorrectly.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein if the one of the plurality of connections is made incorrectly, determining whether an error history satisfies a condition with a controller that is in communication with the monitoring device.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein if the error history satisfies the condition, establishing live communication between the user and a helper.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the feedback includes notification that at least one incorrect connection was made between the monitoring device and the electrical system.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the feedback includes at least one instruction on how to correct the incorrect connection.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the feedback includes notification that a correct connection was made between the monitoring device and the electrical system.

13. A system for connecting a monitoring device to an electrical system, the system comprising:

at least one monitoring device, wherein the monitoring device is operable to couple with a portion of at least one electrical system; and

at least one controller, the controller storing at least one set of connection configuration instructions for properly coupling the at least one monitoring device with the portion of the at least one electrical system,

wherein the controller is in communication with the monitoring device to receive at least one connection detection signal from the monitoring device based on at least one connection between the monitoring device and the portion of the at least one electrical system.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the controller provides at least one notification of at least one improper connection between the at least one monitoring device and the at least one portion of the at least one electrical system based on the received at least one connection detection signal.

15. The system of claim 14, further comprising a connection notification unit in communication with the controller, wherein the controller provides the at least one notification of the at least one improper connection to a user through the connection notification unit.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the connection notification unit is a voice output unit in communication with the controller and the at least one notification is voice feedback.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein the monitoring device and the controller are in wireless communication.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the controller and the voice output unit are in wireless communication.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the controller transmits at least some voice feedback to the voice output unit using frequency modulation broadcasts.

20. A device for providing instructions on how to properly connect a monitoring device to at least one electrical system, the device comprising:

a monitoring device, wherein the monitoring device is operable to couple with a portion of at least one electrical system;

a controller coupled to the monitoring device, wherein the controller stores at least one set of configuration instructions for properly coupling the monitoring device with the portion of the at least one electrical system and detects at least one connection between the monitoring device and the portion of the at least one electrical system; and

a connection notification unit coupled to the controller, wherein the connection notification unit receives at least one connection instruction from the controller and provides the at least connection instruction to a user.