Methods and apparatus for using water use signatures in improving water use efficiency

• US 6,963,808 B1
• Filed: 06/05/2000
• Issued: 11/08/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/05/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Smart Irrigation Solutions Incorporated (Quarterhill Inc. (f/k/a Wi-LAN Inc.))
• Original Assignee: Aqua Conserve Incorporated
• Inventors: Givargis, Tony, Addink, John W., Addink, Sylvan
• Primary Examiner(s): Hoff, Marc S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SUAREZ, FELIX E
• Application Number:
  US10/297,146
• Time in Patent Office: 1,982 Days
• Field of Search: 702/45, 702/48, 702/50, 702/56, 702/127, 702/177, 702/178, 702/44, 702/55, 340/539.13, 377/118, 700/282, 73/233.4, 137/486, 137/487.5, 239 68- 70
• US Class Current: 702/45
• CPC Class Codes: E03B 7/071 Arrangement of safety devices in domestic pipe systems, e.g. devices for automatic shut-off
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/2807 for pipes G01M3/2892, G01M3/30 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/2815 using pressure measurements
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 20/15 Leakage reduction or detection in water storage or distribution

Abstract

The present invention provides systems and methods that identify a flow anomaly to an operator or other person by: executing a first device of a plurality of water using devices; receiving flow data on a quantity of water used by the first device during a time period required to generate a first water use signature from the first device; comparing a future water use pattern against the first water use signature to identify a flow anomaly with the first device; and providing information regarding the flow anomaly to the person. Identifying anomalies can be useful in numerous ways, including discovering problems that need fixing, reducing waste, and even calculating appropriate irrigation application rates.

Claims

1. A method for identifying a flow anomaly in a system having a single flow meter and a plurality of water using devices, comprising:

executing a first device of the plurality of water using devices;

receiving flow data on a quantity of water used by the first device during a time period required to generate a first water use signature from the first device;

comparing a future water use pattern against the first water use signature to identify a flow anomaly with the first device; and

providing information on the flow anomaly to an individual.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first water using device is a home appliance.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the first water using device is an irrigation system.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising measuring a water pressure corresponding to the flow data of the first water using device.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising using a single flow meter to compare the future water use pattern against the first water use signature.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

executing a second device of the plurality of water using devices;

receiving flow data on a quantity of water used by the second device during a time period required to generate a second water use signature from the second device;

comparing the future water use pattern against the second water use signature to identify a flow anomaly with the second device; and

providing information on the flow anomaly to an individual.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the second water using device is a home appliance.

8. The method of claim 6 wherein the second water using device is an irrigation system.

9. The method of claim 6 wherein the first water using device is a home appliance and the second water using device is an irrigation system.

10. The method of claim 4 further comprising measuring a water pressure corresponding to the flow data of the second water using device.

11. The method of claim 5 further comprising using the single flow meter to compare the future water use pattern against the second water use signature.

12. A system having an electronic processor that operates code that compares a future water use pattern against a first water use signature and a second water use signature to correlate the future water use pattern with a water use device.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein the electronic processor is housed in an irrigation controller.

14. The system of claim 12 further comprising a communication line that transmits flow data from a flow meter directly to the system.

15. The system of claim 12 wherein the first water use signature corresponds to a leak in the water use device.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein the leak comprises a broken irrigation sprinkler.

17. The system of claim 15 wherein the first water use signature corresponds to a plugged irrigation sprinkler head.

18. The system of claim 12 further comprising a display that displays real time flow data to an individual.

19. The system of claim 12, wherein the code also directs the electronic processor to calculate an irrigation application rate.

20. The system of claim 12, further comprising a warning signal generator that alerts an individual upon determination of an existence of a flow anomaly.

21. A method for identifying a flow anomaly in a system having a single flow meter and a plurality of water using devices, comprising:

executing a first device of the plurality of water using devices;

receiving flow data on a quantity of water used by the first device during a time period required to generate a first water use signature from the first device;

measuring a water pressure corresponding to the flow data;

comparing a future water use pattern against the first water use signature to identify a flow anomaly with the first device;

and providing information on the flow anomaly to an individual.