Methods, apparatus and system for energy conservation
First Claim
1. A method for monitoring usage of a consumable resource, comprising the steps of:
- obtaining measurements of usage of said consumable resource;
determining a first graphical representation to represent said measurements of consumable resource usage, wherein said first graphical representation comprises a symbol that represents an average of one or more measurements of consumable resource usage; and
displaying said first graphical representation.
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Abstract
Methods, apparatus, and systems are disclosed for monitoring usage of a consumable resource, and displaying substantially instantaneous and historical usage measurements of the consumable resource in both numerical and non-numeric manner. The non-numeric manner facilitates comprehension by non-technical users in conservation applications. The relative size, position and movement of graphical icons, images, symbols and objects convey present and past consumption. A projection of consumption can be calculated and compared against consumption, prompting corrective actions. Past and present conservation performance can be displayed in the context of a game. Various symbols optionally incrementally visually reward conservation or admonish failure, and therein score efforts. Challenging goals can be established to increase conservation. User-chosen display color schemes facilitate décor integration. Integration of the display into various devices including gas or liquid flow-control valves, and electrical dimmers and switches are disclosed. A portable version facilitates resource waste detection and problem location.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for monitoring usage of a consumable resource, comprising the steps of:
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obtaining measurements of usage of said consumable resource; determining a first graphical representation to represent said measurements of consumable resource usage, wherein said first graphical representation comprises a symbol that represents an average of one or more measurements of consumable resource usage; and displaying said first graphical representation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for monitoring usage of a consumable resource, comprising the steps of:
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obtaining a first measurement of usage of said consumable resource; changing a consumption level of a device; obtaining a second measurement of usage of said consumable resource; and displaying an indication of a difference between said first measurement of usage and said second measurement of usage.
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18. The method of 17, wherein a scale of said displayed indication is adjusted based on said first measurement and said second measurement to emphasize said difference.
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19. An integrated energy conservation and control device comprising:
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a memory; and at least one processor coupled to the memory and operative to; obtain measurements of usage of said consumable resource; determine a first graphical representation to represent said measurements of consumable resource usage, wherein said first graphical representation comprises a symbol that represents an average of one or more measurements of consumable resource usage; and control a consumption of a resource in one or more devices.
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20. An energy conservation device, comprising:
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a memory; and at least one processor, coupled to the memory, operative to; obtain measurements of usage of said consumable resource; determine a first graphical representation to represent said measurements of consumable resource usage, wherein said first graphical representation comprises a symbol that represents an average of one or more measurements of consumable resource usage; and display said first graphical representation.
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21. An energy conservation device, comprising:
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a memory; and at least one processor, coupled to the memory, operative to; obtain a first measurement of usage of said consumable resource; change a consumption level of a device; obtain a second measurement of usage of said consumable resource; and display an indication of a difference between said first measurement of usage and said second measurement of usage.
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Specification