Wireless tracking device for tracking appliance usage and modifying user behavior
First Claim
1. A method of reducing energy consumption of an appliance by modifying user behavior, the method comprising:
- tracking an appliance usage information, by a tracking device located inside the appliance, wherein the tracking device is placed inside the appliance and wherein the tracking device is communicatively coupled to an external collector unit;
reporting, by the tracking device, the appliance usage information to the collector unit, wherein the collect unit is external to the appliance and is located in the same premises as the appliance;
correlating, by the collector unit, the number of times the appliance is used and the duration of such usage, with an energy consumption data computed or collected for the appliance;
making energy saving recommendations, by an advisory unit communicatively coupled to the collector unit and the tracking device, for efficient usage of the appliance.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A wireless tracking device for monitoring usage patterns and power consumption of appliances such as a refrigerator. The power consumption is monitored by the use of new and innovative wireless tracking device that is placed by a user inside the appliance while it is operational. Appliance usage pattern information and power consumption information is communicated by the wireless tracking device and is collected by an intelligent power hub (and in some embodiments, an energy pump device, an intelligent power meter or a collector device). User behavior is modified by recommending approaches to cut power consumption by the appliances thereby providing savings and reducing the cost of operation.
37 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of reducing energy consumption of an appliance by modifying user behavior, the method comprising:
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tracking an appliance usage information, by a tracking device located inside the appliance, wherein the tracking device is placed inside the appliance and wherein the tracking device is communicatively coupled to an external collector unit; reporting, by the tracking device, the appliance usage information to the collector unit, wherein the collect unit is external to the appliance and is located in the same premises as the appliance; correlating, by the collector unit, the number of times the appliance is used and the duration of such usage, with an energy consumption data computed or collected for the appliance; making energy saving recommendations, by an advisory unit communicatively coupled to the collector unit and the tracking device, for efficient usage of the appliance. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An electronic device supporting tracking of usage of an appliance, the electronic device comprising:
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a memory for storing data, code and instructions; at least one temperature sensor to detect temperature; at least one light sensor to detect light; an RF circuitry for communication; at least one processor communicatively coupled the RF circuitry to at least one data collector unit, the at least one processor operable to, at least; monitor the operation of the appliance; detect opening and closing of doors associated with the appliance and gather usage data; collect sensor data provided by the at least one temperature sensor and the at least one light sensor; and communicate sensor data and usage data to the at least one data collector unit. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A wireless device that can collect data using sensors when located inside an appliance and communicate the data with an external data collector, the wireless device comprising:
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a set of light sensors; a set of temperature sensors; a memory for storing data, code and instructions; a RF circuitry for communication; a processor communicatively coupled to the RF circuitry, the memory, the set of light sensors, the set of temperature sensors, and to the external data collector unit, the processor operable to, at least; collect data using the set of light sensors and the set of temperature sensors when located inside the appliance; detect when a door of the appliance is open or shut employing the set of light sensors; detect the duration for which the appliance door is open; detect temperature changes when the appliance door is open employing the set of temperature sensors; process data collected by the set of light sensors and the set of temperature sensors; and communicate data to the external data collector unit employing the RF circuitry. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification