U.S. patent application number 13/346752 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-19 for remotely controlling aspects of pools and spas.
Invention is credited to DINDO UY.
Application Number | 20120185571 13/346752 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45509756 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120185571 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
UY; DINDO |
July 19, 2012 |
REMOTELY CONTROLLING ASPECTS OF POOLS AND SPAS
Abstract
Systems and methods of (remotely) controlling aspects of pools
and spas and of modifying water contained therein are detailed.
Internet-enabled access to pool and spa controllers may happen
without any need for users to create firewall ports or utilize
static internet protocol addresses. Certain networking devices may
be configured using a USB connection or SD card, avoiding any
requirement for an Ethernet cable or supplying separate power to
the devices during configuration. Time-varying data may be obtained
in respect of one or more installations and analyzed for various
information.
Inventors: |
UY; DINDO; (North Hollywood,
CA) |
Family ID: |
45509756 |
Appl. No.: |
13/346752 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61433636 |
Jan 18, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
709/219 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05B 19/0426 20130101;
G05B 2219/31104 20130101; G08B 21/18 20130101; G05B 23/00 20130101;
H04Q 9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/219 |
International
Class: |
G06F 15/16 20060101
G06F015/16 |
Claims
1. A method of remotely controlling at least one aspect of a first
pool or spa, comprising: a. establishing communication with the
Internet by at least one computerized server remote from the first
pool or spa; b. using the remote server, tracking a dynamic
Internet protocol (IP) address of a networking device communicating
with a controller of the first pool or spa; c. causing control
instructions to be communicated from the remote server to the
networking device so as to control the at least one aspect of the
first pool or spa; and d. using the remote server, receiving
information about the first pool or spa communicated by the
networking device.
2. A method according to claim 1 in which the received information
varies over time.
3. A method according to claim 2 further comprising aggregating the
received time-varying information for a selected period.
4. A method according to claim 3 further comprising assessing the
aggregated information and causing assessment information to be
communicated to a user or servicer of the first pool or spa.
5. A method according to claim 3 further comprising: a. using the
remote server, receiving time-varying information about a second
pool or spa; and b. aggregating the received time-varying
information about the first and second pools or spas.
6. A method according to claim 5 further comprising assessing the
aggregated information and causing assessment information to be
communicated to a user or servicer of each of the first and second
pools or spas.
7. A method according to claim 1 further comprising instructing
configuration of the networking device for wireless communication
with a router using a universal serial bus (USB) port or a secure
digital (SD) card.
8. A method of remotely controlling at least one aspect of a pool
or spa, comprising: a. without using an Ethernet cable, configuring
a networking device for wirelessly communicating with a router of
an installation also including a pool or spa and a controller
therefor; b. effecting Internet-based communication between the
router and a remote server capable of identifying the networking
device; and c. effecting transmission of control instructions from
the remote server to the controller via the router and networking
device so as to control at least one aspect of the pool or spa.
9. A method according to claim 8 in which the act of configuring
the networking device comprising using a universal serial bus (USB)
or a secure digital (SD) card.
10. A method of remotely controlling at least one aspect of a pool
or spa, comprising: a. establishing communication with the Internet
by at least one computerized server remote from the pool or spa; b.
causing control instructions to be communicated from the remote
server via the Internet to a routerless system comprising a modem
communicating with a controller so as to control the at least one
aspect of the pool or spa; and d. using the remote server,
receiving information about the pool or spa communicated via the
modem.
11. A method according to claim 10 further comprising effecting
communication between the remote server and a mobile device
configured for wireless communication with a cell phone
network.
12. A method according to claim 10 in which the received
information varies over time.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/433,636, filed Jan. 18,
2011, entitled "Methods of Configuring a Wi-Fi Pool Automation
Internet Networking Device," the entire contents of which are
hereby incorporated by this reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to systems, methods, equipment, and
techniques for controlling one or more components of a recreational
water recirculation system or modifying one or more characteristics
of the water contained within a vessel such as a pool or spa. More
particularly, at least some embodiments of the invention relate to
Internet-enabled access to residential pool and spa controllers
without need for users to create firewall ports or utilize static
Internet protocol (IP) addresses. Other embodiments allow
connection to controllers without need of a router.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 7,292,898 to Clark, et al., whose contents are
incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference, describes
various systems for remotely monitoring or controlling pools or
spas. Data links may be created between home computer networks and
pool/spa controllers and the controllers may be accessed via a
combination of the home networks and remote web servers. Data
signals may be transmitted to the remote web servers for
collection, and command signals may be sent from the remote web
servers for purposes of controlling pools and spas.
[0004] Controllers of the Clark patent are identified as being "on
board" pools and spas. They thus are not in any way remote or
separated from the water-containing vessels. Additionally present
at or in the pools and spas are sensors "in dynamic communication
with the . . . pool or spa water . . . to capture relevant data,"
which may include information about "temperature, pH, ORP, pump
status, heater status, and ozone generation." See Clark, col. 1,
ll. 38-48.
[0005] Collected data may, according to the Clark patent, be stored
either "locally" within the control system or on a remote server.
Software algorithms may detect particular error conditions and
"alert[ ] a desired recipient via e-mail, direct pager contact or
other communication method, and/or activat[e] an audible alarm."
See id., col. 4, ll. 17-34. Homeowners and their maintenance
services additionally may be notified to add chemicals to pool/spa
water as a consequence of data transmissions via the remote server.
See id., ll. 55-65.
[0006] Contemplated by systems of the Clark patent is use of, among
other things, a "filtering router/firewall" used to access the
Internet. See id., col. 5, ll. 26-28; FIG. 2. Controllers may be
accessed by devices including [0007] a web-enabled phone, a
home/office computer/ or a PDA with a streamlined browser. These
and other user access devices/interfaces can perform remote access
function, determine chemical conditions in the water with pH or ORP
sensors, conduct simultaneous on-line consultations with others
including a chemical dealer or maintenance personnel, or receive
alarms that the spa cover or pool gate is open.
See id., col. 9, ll. 13-20.
[0008] Absent from discussion in the Clark patent are benefits of
systems in which users may employ dynamic IP addresses and in which
users need not create firewall ports or use routers for purposes of
Internet connection. Additionally omitted from disclosure of the
Clark patent is any description of configuring wireless fidelity
(Wi-Fi) networking devices using, for example, a universal serial
bus (USB) connection or a secure digital (SD) card. Such
configurations do not require use of any Ethernet cable or
provision of separate power to the devices during configuration.
They also may be accomplished by an installer, for example, prior
to arrival at a residence or installation location.
[0009] Likewise omitted from disclosure of the Clark patent is any
contemplation of use of data stored on remote servers beyond
alerting "desired recipient[s]" to certain error conditions and
forwarding water-chemistry information to "a specific chemical
supplier or pool/spa maintenance service, or to the homeowner." See
id., col. 4, ll. 51-65. Indeed, no aggregating of data is
contemplated as to either a single installation or multiple
installations. Assessing data aggregated over a given period for a
single installation could provide useful information as to trends
in either equipment performance or water characteristics at that
installation, for example, potentially supplying advance warnings
as to equipment degradation or impending water-quality issues.
Users also may be furnished energy-usage information and tips for
decreasing usage.
[0010] Evaluating data aggregated over multiple installations may
provide valuable information about regional issues or issues being
faced generally by certain types of pools or spas. Such data
further could be supplied to retailers, manufacturers, or others
for purposes of ensuring adequate inventory of equipment or
components if need for multiple repairs or replacements is
predicted. Abnormally high use of chemicals and other consumables
in a geographic area or in conjunction with certain pools or spas
likewise could be discovered and conveyed to homeowners, retailers,
and servicers. Yet additional uses of stored data may be made.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Unlike the Clark patent, the present invention contemplates
these multiple uses of data. Additionally, Internet-enabled access
to pool and spa controllers may happen without any need for users
to create firewall ports or utilize static IP addresses. Wi-Fi
networking devices may be configured using a USB connection or SD
card, avoiding any requirement for an Ethernet cable or supplying
separate power to the devices during configuration. At least some
versions of the invention allow connection to controllers without
need of a router.
[0012] Systems of the invention may cause servers of the system
providers to track dynamic IP addresses typically assigned to
computerized devices by Internet service providers (ISPs). Users
employing browsers (or local software applications ["apps"])
existing on either fixed or mobile devices may communicate via the
Internet with the servers of the system providers and,
therethrough, to networking devices and controllers of their
pool/spa control systems. Alternate methods of communication are
contemplated as well, as are indoor/outdoor use and easy
installation of equipment.
[0013] It thus is an optional, non-exclusive object of the present
invention to provide systems and methods of controlling aspects of
pools and spas in which system users need not have static IP
addresses or firewall ports.
[0014] It is also an optional, non-exclusive object of the present
invention to provide systems and methods of controlling aspects of
pools and spas in which Wi-Fi networking devices may be configured
using a USB connection or SD card or otherwise in a manner avoiding
any requirement for an Ethernet cable or supplying separate power
to the devices during configuration.
[0015] It is another optional, non-exclusive object of the present
invention to provide systems and methods of controlling aspects of
pools and spas in which connections to controllers may be made
without need for routers.
[0016] It is a further optional, non-exclusive object of the
present invention to provide systems and methods of controlling
aspects of pools and spas in which data from either or both of (a)
a single installation or (b) multiple installations is aggregated
as a function of (at least) time.
[0017] It is, moreover, an optional, non-exclusive object of the
present invention to provide systems and methods of controlling
aspects of pools and spas in which aggregated data is analyzed to
identify trends in either equipment performance or water
characteristics at one or more installations.
[0018] It is an additional optional, non-exclusive object of the
present invention to provide systems and methods of controlling
aspects of pools and spas in which data analysis may result in
supplying to users advance warnings as to equipment degradation or
impending water-quality issues or energy-usage information (or
both).
[0019] It is yet another optional, non-exclusive object of the
present invention to provide systems and methods of controlling
aspects of pools and spas in which aggregated data from multiple
installations is evaluated for information about regional issues or
issues being faced generally by certain types of pools or spas.
[0020] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art
with reference to the remaining text and the drawings of this
application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematicized diagram of aspects of an exemplary
system of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematicized diagram of aspects of an alternate
system of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a schematicized diagram of a first exemplary
WiFi-configuration method.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a schematicized diagram of a second exemplary
Wi-Fi configuration method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Illustrated in FIG. 1 are aspects of exemplary system 10 of
the present invention. Included as part of system 10 may be
computerized controller 14. As shown in FIG. 1, controller 14 may
be any of the AquaLink brand of controllers made by Zodiac
(formerly known as Jandy). Signals may be sent to and from
controller 14 wirelessly, via wires, or in hybrid manner.
Regardless of its signal transmission method, controller 14 is
designed to control operation of equipment associated with pools
and spas; such equipment includes, but is not limited to, water
jets, lights, pumps, heaters, active filters, etc.
[0026] Networking device 18 also may be included as part of system
10. Device 18 may be any suitable automated apparatus capable of
receiving and transmitting signals via the Internet or other
network. Information may be transferred among device 18 and
controller 14, to which device 18 connects via wires or
wirelessly.
[0027] Also depicted in FIG. 1 is optional router 22. If present as
part of system 10, router 22, as well as controller 14 and device
18, typically may constitute at least part of a single "home"
installation 24 and thus typically are present at the installation
site. Likewise preferably present at the site are at least one of a
pool or spa to be controlled by controller 14. Unlike the
controller of the Clark patent, however, controller 14 need not be
"on board" any pool or spa, and instead may be located either
within or outside the home. Additionally, persons skilled in the
relevant art will recognize that reference to "home" installation
24 need not mean only a residential site, but rather may include
commercial, association, or other pools or spas too.
[0028] System 10 also may include means for accessing the Internet.
Such means may include mobile and fixed devices 26 and 30,
respectively. Indeed, any device 26 or 30 (including but not
limited to conventional smart phones, laptop computers, and desktop
computers) equipped with a web browser or local app may be used
consistent with the present invention to access the Internet. A
device 26 or 30 may be in the control of the user of system 10
responsible for maintenance of a particular pool or spa, whether
that user be a homeowner, a service company, an equipment
manufacturer, or otherwise. Devices 26 and 30 likewise need not be
"on board" a pool or spa but instead may be remote therefrom if and
when desired.
[0029] Also illustrated in FIG. 1 are one or more servers 34.
Servers 34 preferably are maintained by the provider of controller
14 and device 18, although this need not necessarily be true.
Because in some versions of system 10 either or both of controllers
14 and devices 18 will be supplied by Zodiac, a server 34 is
identified in FIG. 1 as a "Zodiac Server."
[0030] Servers 34 also may function to assist in aggregating data
from one or more installations 24 for purposes of data analysis and
evaluation. In this respect servers 34 are illustrated in FIG. 1 as
proxies for computerized information processing systems. As noted
earlier, assessing data aggregated over a given period for a single
installation 24 could provide useful information as to trends in
either equipment performance or water characteristics at that
installation 24, for example. Advanced warning as to equipment
degradation or impending water-quality issues thus could be
provided to a device 26 or 30. Via device 26 or 30 users also may
be furnished energy-usage information and tips for decreasing
usage. Similarly as noted above, evaluating data aggregated over
multiple installations 24 may provide valuable information about
regional issues or issues being faced generally by certain types of
pools or spas.
[0031] Information from sources other than installations 24 also
may be analyzed and evaluated, typically (but not necessarily) in
conjunction with data obtained from installations 24. For example,
historical temperature and other weather-related information could
be considered in developing control signals for one or more
installations 24. Similarly, weather forecasts may be considered so
that, if an upcoming time period is expected to be warmer (or
cooler), wetter (or dryer), etc., than normal, controls for certain
installations 24 may be adjusted anticipatorily.
[0032] As occurs conventionally, Internet-accessible devices at a
residence or other location (such as an installation 24) are
assigned IP addresses by an ISP servicing the location. Existing
pool/spa controllers typically require assignment of a static (i.e.
unchanging) IP address disfavored by ISPs. Instead, ISPs favor
provision of dynamic (i.e. time-varying) IP addresses to devices,
as the ability to reassign (and thus share) addresses frequently
allows ISPs more flexibility in performing their services.
[0033] In system 10, device 18 need not have a static IP address.
Rather, device 18 may be assigned a dynamic IP address by ISP 38.
Server 34 tracks the IP address of device 18 so as to remain able
to communicate with device 18 notwithstanding the time-varying
nature of its address. Because server 34 does so and no static IP
address is required for device 18, no especial need exists to open
a port in any computer firewall associated with installation
24.
[0034] FIG. 2 shows an alternate system 10' consistent with the
present invention. System 10' may include servers 34 and allow
devices 26 and 30 to communicate with servers 34 via the Internet,
as with system 10. It further may include controller 14 as part of
installation 24', like installation 24. Unlike installation 24,
however, installation 24' may utilize device 18' in the form of a
modem to communicate with servers 34. Device 18' may be configured
to the standards of the general packet radio service (GPRS) or
otherwise as appropriate, and any or all of device 18', mobile
device 26, or even fixed device 30 may connect wirelessly to cell
phone network 42 (see also FIG. 1). System 10' avoids any need for
router 22, for example.
[0035] FIGS. 3-4 schematically illustrate certain differing ways to
configure device 18 for communication with router 22. If device 18
and router 22 communicate via wires, an Ethernet or other cable may
be employed to connect the two components. By contrast, wireless
communication may be established as shown in FIG. 3, for example.
Detailed in that figure is that device 18 may be connected to a USB
port of a desktop or laptop personal computer (PC) 46 intended to
communicate with router 22. As so connected to computer 46, device
18 is recognized by computer 46 as a storage device or drive. WiFi
configuration may then occur by opening a configuration file,
entering WiFi settings (including, for example, service set
identifier [SSID] and password information), and saving the entered
settings in the memory of device 18. Thereafter device 18 may be
disconnected from the USB port of computer 46 and installed or
located wherever desired (e.g. outside at a pool/spa equipment pad
or inside a residence) so as to communicate with controller 14.
[0036] Alternatively, as depicted in FIG. 4, an SD memory card may
be inserted into an appropriate port of computer 46. WiFi
configuration may occur by opening a configuration file, entering
WiFi settings, and saving the entered settings on the SD card. The
card then may be removed from computer 46 and inserted into an
appropriate port of device 18 to download the saved settings into
the device 18. Again, device 18 may be installed or located
wherever desired so as to communicate with controller 14.
[0037] In each situation identified in FIGS. 3-4, WiFi
configuration is easily accomplished without use of an Ethernet
cable. Further, configuration may completed by an installer prior
to arriving at an installation 24. Yet additionally, no separate
power need be supplied to device 18 during configuration. Of
course, persons skilled in appropriate fields of endeavor will
understand that device 18 may be configured in myriad ways, and the
techniques of FIGS. 3-4, while easy and valuable, need not always
be utilized.
[0038] Based at least in part on information obtained or derived
from sensors associated with a pool or spa, controller 14 may be
used to control pool/spa equipment as desired to achieve certain
results. As communication with servers 34 occurs, servers 34 may
receive information from various installations 24 and 24'. Such
information typically will vary as a function of time (e.g. a
chlorine level in a pool of a particular installation 24 or 24'
likely will change over time) and, perhaps, other variables.
Moreover, such information typically will vary from installation to
installation, especially if installations are remote geographically
or contain different equipment. In any event, servers 34 may
receive information that usefully may be analyzed in various ways
to alert users or others as to issues currently or potentially to
be encountered at installations.
[0039] The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating,
explaining, and describing embodiments of the present invention.
Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent
to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from
the scope or spirit of the invention.
* * * * *