U.S. patent application number 17/510091 was filed with the patent office on 2022-04-14 for egress point localization.
The applicant listed for this patent is Phyn LLC. Invention is credited to Salil P. Banerjee, Babak Abbasi Bastami, Brady C. Houston, Ryan Yong Kim, Shwetak N. Patel.
Application Number | 20220113217 17/510091 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-04-14 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20220113217 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Banerjee; Salil P. ; et
al. |
April 14, 2022 |
EGRESS POINT LOCALIZATION
Abstract
A system for determining a location of an egress point in a
plumbing system that includes a branched system of pipes within a
building is provided. The system includes a first sensor that is
configured to measure a first pressure signal as a function of time
at a first location within the plumbing system, and a second sensor
that is configured to measure a second pressure signal as a
function of time at a second location within the plumbing system.
The plumbing system includes multiple branch points between the
first location and the second location. The system also includes a
processor that is configured to determine a temporal difference
between a first pressure drop in the first pressure signal and a
second pressure drop in the second pressure signal, and use the
temporal difference to determine an estimated location of the
egress point in the plumbing system.
Inventors: |
Banerjee; Salil P.;
(Lynchburg, VA) ; Houston; Brady C.; (Bothell,
WA) ; Bastami; Babak Abbasi; (Seattle, WA) ;
Kim; Ryan Yong; (Rolling Hills Estates, CA) ; Patel;
Shwetak N.; (Seattle, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Phyn LLC |
Torrance |
CA |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/510091 |
Filed: |
October 25, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16230775 |
Dec 21, 2018 |
11156525 |
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17510091 |
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62611187 |
Dec 28, 2017 |
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International
Class: |
G01M 3/28 20060101
G01M003/28; G01M 3/26 20060101 G01M003/26; E03B 7/07 20060101
E03B007/07 |
Claims
1. A portable device for analyzing water in a plumbing system, the
portable device comprising: a pipe; an adapter that is configured
to connect the pipe with an output of a water source within the
plumbing system; at least one sensor that is configured to measure
information about water within the pipe; a processor that is
configured to analyze the information from the at least one sensor;
and a transceiver that is configured to receive the information
from the processor and transmit the information to at least one of
a network, a cloud analyzer, or a user device.
2. The portable device as recited in claim 1, wherein the water
source comprises at least one of a faucet, a spout, a shower head,
an aerator, or an outdoor spigot.
3. The portable device as recited in claim 1, the portable device
further comprising: a one-way valve that is configured to regulate
water flow into the pipe from the water source; a water level
sensor that is configured to detect when the pipe is filled with
the water; and a shutoff valve that is configured to prevent the
water from exiting the pipe.
4. The portable device as recited in claim 1, the portable device
further comprising: a temperature sensor that is configured to
measure a temperature of the water within the pipe; and a pressure
sensor that is configured to measure a pressure of the water within
the pipe, wherein the processor is further configured to detect a
leak in the plumbing system by analyzing at least one of the
temperature or the pressure of the water within the pipe.
5. The portable device as recited in claim 1, the portable device
further comprising: a display that is configured to show the
information.
6. The portable device as recited in claim 1, the portable device
further comprising: a thermal device in an area that encompasses an
estimated location of an egress point, wherein the thermal device
measures an infrared signal, and a leak is identified within an
infrared image using the infrared signal according to a temperature
estimate provided by the infrared image.
7. The portable device as recited in claim 6, wherein the infrared
signal is used to modify the estimated location of the egress
point.
8. A plumbing system including a branched system of pipes within a
building, the plumbing system comprising: a portable device
comprising: a pipe; an adapter that is configured to connect the
pipe with an output of a water source within the plumbing system;
at least one sensor that is configured to measure information about
water within the pipe; a processor that is configured to analyze
the information from the at least one sensor; and a transceiver
that is configured to receive the information from the processor
and transmit the information to at least one of a network, a cloud
analyzer, or a user device.
9. The plumbing system as recited in claim 8, wherein the water
source comprises at least one of a faucet, a spout, a shower head,
an aerator, or an outdoor spigot.
10. The plumbing system as recited in claim 8, the portable device
further comprising: a one-way valve that is configured to regulate
water flow into the pipe from the water source; a water level
sensor that is configured to detect when the pipe is filled with
the water; and a shutoff valve that is configured to prevent the
water from exiting the pipe.
11. The plumbing system as recited in claim 8, the portable device
further comprising: a temperature sensor that is configured to
measure a temperature of the water within the pipe; and a pressure
sensor that is configured to measure a pressure of the water within
the pipe, wherein the processor is further configured to detect a
leak in the plumbing system by analyzing at least one of the
temperature or the pressure of the water within the pipe.
12. The plumbing system as recited in claim 8, the portable device
further comprising: a display that is configured to show the
information.
13. The plumbing system as recited in claim 8, the portable device
further comprising: a thermal device in an area that encompasses an
estimated location of an egress point, wherein the thermal device
measures an infrared signal, and a leak is identified within an
infrared image using the infrared signal according to a temperature
estimate provided by the infrared image.
14. The plumbing system as recited in claim 13, wherein the
infrared signal is used to modify the estimated location of the
egress point.
15. A method for localizing an egress point within a plumbing
system, the method comprising: connecting by an adapter, a pipe of
the plumbing system with an output of a water source within the
plumbing system; measuring by at least one sensor, information
about water within the pipe; analyzing by a processor, the
information from the at least one sensor; and receiving by a
transceiver, the information from the processor and transmitting
the information to at least one of a network, a cloud analyzer, or
a user device.
16. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein the water source
comprises at least one of a faucet, a spout, a shower head, an
aerator, or an outdoor spigot.
17. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising:
regulating by a one-way valve, water flow into the pipe from the
water source; detecting by a water level sensor, when the pipe is
filled with the water; and preventing by a shutoff valve, the water
from exiting the pipe.
18. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising:
measuring by a temperature sensor, a temperature of the water
within the pipe; measuring by a pressure sensor, a pressure of the
water within the pipe; and detecting by the processor, a leak in
the plumbing system by analyzing at least one of the temperature or
the pressure of the water within the pipe.
19. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising: showing
the information on a display.
20. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising:
measuring an infrared signal by a thermal device, wherein a leak is
identified within an infrared image using the infrared signal
according to a temperature estimate provided by the infrared image.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/230,775, filed Dec. 21, 2018, entitled
"EGRESS POINT LOCALIZATION," which application claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/611,187, filed on Dec.
28, 2017, entitled "PORTABLE DEVICE FOR WATER ANALYSIS," the
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This disclosure relates in general to systems and methods
for determining the location of an egress point in a pipe.
[0003] Homes and commercial buildings have water distributed by
pipe systems that can be very complex with many junctions and
branches. Often it may be determined that there is an unintentional
egress point, or a leak, somewhere within the plumbing system, but
it may be difficult to identify the location of the leak, so that
the leak can be repaired in a timely manner. Without a detailed map
of the plumbing system, it may be necessary to remove drywall in
various areas of the building until the leak can be found by visual
inspection. This may result in significant additional costs to
replace and paint the drywall once the leak has been repaired.
Further, it may be useful to determine the location of an
intentional egress point, such as the opening of a fixture to allow
water to flow out of the fixture.
[0004] Many buildings have small leaks that go undetected for
months and years that causes water loss and air quality issues.
Water is a precious commodity in drought stricken climates with a
large percentage lost before it reaches our sinks, showers and
swimming pools. Toxic mold causes adverse reactions with the
occupants of buildings. Mold is generally in the environment
waiting for a source of moisture to thrive and develop reproductive
spores. Those spores cause much of the irritation and destroy air
quality. Without mechanisms to detect inadvertent liquid egress,
mold will continue to capitalize on a favorable habitat.
SUMMARY
[0005] Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide systems and
methods for determining a location of an egress point in a plumbing
system that includes a branched system of pipes within a building.
According to an aspect of the invention, a system includes a first
sensor that is configured to measure a first pressure signal as a
function of time at a first location within the plumbing system,
and a second sensor that is configured to measure a second pressure
signal as a function of time at a second location within the
plumbing system. The plumbing system includes multiple branch
points between the first location and the second location. The
system also includes a processor that is configured to determine a
temporal difference between a first pressure drop in the first
pressure signal and a second pressure drop in the second pressure
signal, and use the temporal difference to determine an estimated
location of the egress point in the plumbing system.
[0006] The system may also include a portable microphone that is
configured to measure an audio signal by scanning an area that
encompasses the estimated location of the egress point. The
processor may be further configured to use the audio signal to
modify the estimated location of the egress point.
[0007] The system may also include a transducer that is configured
to apply an ultrasonic signal to a pipe within the plumbing system,
and a portable microphone that is configured to measure an
alteration of the ultrasonic signal that propagates through the
egress point by scanning an area that encompasses the estimated
location of the egress point. The processor may be further
configured to use the alteration of the ultrasonic signal to modify
the estimated location of the egress point.
[0008] The system may also include a portable scanner that is
configured to measure an infrared signal by scanning an area that
encompasses the estimated location of the egress point. The
processor may be further configured to use the infrared signal to
modify the estimated location of the egress point.
[0009] The estimated location of the egress point may be between a
first fixture and a second fixture within the plumbing system, and
the egress point may correspond to a leak in a pipe. Alternatively,
the estimated location of the egress point may correspond to a
location of a fixture within the plumbing system. The estimated
location of the egress point may be determined by comparing the
temporal difference with a database of calibrated temporal
differences for a plurality of fixtures within the plumbing
system.
[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for
determining a location of an egress point in a plumbing system that
includes a branched system of pipes within a building is provided.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, a
machine-readable medium for determining a location of an egress
point in a plumbing system that includes a branched system of pipes
within a building is provided.
[0011] According to an additional aspect of the invention, a
portable device for analyzing water in a plumbing system is
provided. The portable device includes a pipe; an adapter that is
configured to connect the pipe with an output of a water source
within the plumbing system; at least one sensor that is configured
to measure information about water within the pipe; a processor
that is configured to analyze the information from the at least one
sensor; and a transceiver that is configured to receive the
information from the processor and transmit the information to at
least one of a network, a cloud analyzer, or a user device.
[0012] The water source may include a faucet, a spout, a shower
head, an aerator, and/or an outdoor spigot. The portable device may
also include a one-way valve that is configured to regulate water
flow into the pipe from the water source; a water level sensor that
is configured to detect when the pipe is filled with the water; and
a shutoff valve that is configured to prevent the water from
exiting the pipe. Alternatively or in addition, the portable device
may also include a temperature sensor that is configured to measure
a temperature of the water within the pipe, and a pressure sensor
that is configured to measure a pressure of the water within the
pipe. The processor may be further configured to detect a leak in
the plumbing system by analyzing the temperature and/or the
pressure of the water within the pipe.
[0013] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure
will become apparent from the detailed description provided
hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description
and specific examples, while indicating various embodiments, are
intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to
necessarily limit the scope of the disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The present disclosure is described in conjunction with the
appended figures:
[0015] FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a water
analysis system;
[0016] FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a water
device;
[0017] FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a cloud
analyzer;
[0018] FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a
plumbing system;
[0019] FIG. 5 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of an
installed water device;
[0020] FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a water
fixture that is fitted with integral sensors;
[0021] FIG. 7 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a
plumbing system having a leak;
[0022] FIG. 8 depicts a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for
localizing an egress point;
[0023] FIGS. 9A-9E depict graphs of pressure data that may be used
to generate a database of calibrated temporal differences;
[0024] FIGS. 10-12 depict flow charts of embodiments of additional
methods for localizing an egress point.
[0025] FIG. 13 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a
portable water device;
[0026] FIG. 14 depicts a diagram of an embodiment of a water
source; and
[0027] FIG. 15 depicts a flow chart of an embodiment of a method
for using the portable water device.
[0028] In the appended figures, similar components and/or features
may have the same reference label. Further, various components of
the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label
by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar
components. If only the first reference label is used in the
specification, the description is applicable to any one of the
similar components having the same first reference label
irrespective of the second reference label.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The ensuing description provides preferred exemplary
embodiment(s) only, and is not intended to limit the scope,
applicability or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the
ensuing description of the preferred exemplary embodiment(s) will
provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for
implementing a preferred exemplary embodiment. It is understood
that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of
elements without departing from the spirit and scope as set forth
in the appended claims.
[0030] Referring first to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an embodiment
of a water analysis system 100 is shown. The municipal water system
128 is connected to the building 112 with a water main 150, but
other embodiments could source their water from a well, a cistern,
a tank, or any other source. Different water sources may use
different flow and leak detection algorithms.
[0031] The water from the municipal water system 128 has a
temperature that varies relatively slowly since they are typically
delivered via pipes which are buried underground. With the ground
acting as a heat sink there is less variation in temperature as
compared to the atmospheric temperature. The temperatures of
municipal water systems 128 vary slightly from around 40 to
55.degree. F. (4 to 13.degree. C.). Such temperature changes are
dependent upon well depth and aboveground storage facilities.
Surface water temperatures vary with seasonal change from around 40
to 80.degree. F. (4 to 27.degree. C.) with even higher temperatures
in the deep South and Southwest of the United States for example.
It can be said that the municipal water system 128 temperature
remains relatively stable during a given season for a given
location (temperature varies from 38.degree. F. in Anchorage, Ak.
to 82.degree. F. in Phoenix, Ariz.). The temperature changes seen
in the plumbing system 116 are due to water flowing through the
pipes and can help detect small unintended water usages or leaks
continuously without engaging the shut-off-valve or other
techniques that actively engage the plumbing system as described in
application Ser. No. 15/344,458, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR
LEAK CHARACTERIZATION AFTER SHUTOFF OF PRESSURIZATION SOURCE,"
filed on Nov. 4, 2016, which is incorporated by reference for all
purposes.
[0032] When water is stagnant or unmoving in the pipes (i.e., there
is no intentional water egress or leaks) the temperature of water
varies based on the temperature of where the water device 120 is
installed and the temperature of the municipal water system 128
entering the building. Where the water device 120 is installed
inside a building, for example, the temperature will stabilize at
the ambient temperature typically regulated by a HVAC thermostat.
On the other hand, if the water device 120 is placed outdoors it
will vary as the weather changes over the course of the day. For
small flows that are not detected by conventional flow sensors,
there is a change in the temperature noted by the water device 120.
Depending on the rate of water flow, the temperature measured by
the water device 120 stabilizes at a certain temperature that is
between the temperature of the municipal water system 128 and the
temperature the plumbing system is exposed to in the building
112.
[0033] Remote from the building 112 over the Internet 104 is a
cloud analyzer 108 that is in communication with various buildings
and user devices 130. User account information, sensor data, local
analysis, municipal water usage information for the building 112 is
passed to the cloud analyzer 108. User devices 130 may connect with
the water device 120 and the cloud analyzer through a local network
134 and/or a cellular network. The water device 120 can have an
Ethernet, a broadband over power line, a WiFi, Bluetooth, and/or a
cellular connection coupled to the cloud analyzer 108. Some
embodiments include a gateway or peer node that the water device
can connect to that is coupled to the network 134 and/or Internet
104 using WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or other short range wireless
signals. Generally, there is a gateway or firewall between the
network 134 and the Internet 104. Where there are multiple water
devices 120 they can communicate directly with each other or
through the network 134 or other LAN/WAN.
[0034] Within the building 112, the plumbing system 116 is a
collection of pipes connected to appliances and fixtures all
coupled to the water main 150. A building 112 may have one or more
water device(s) 120 in fluid communication with the plumbing system
116. A water device 120 may be coupled to the cold and/or hot water
pipe at a particular location, or coupled to any accessible faucet
or other source of water, and wirelessly or wire communicates with
the network 134. Different water devices 120 may have different
configurations with more or less sensors and processing
capabilities. Some water devices 120 have only peer communication
with other water devices 120 while others have LAN and/or WAN
capabilities.
[0035] Pressure in the plumbing system can be analyzed with the
water device 120 along with temperature, flow, sound, etc. The
municipal water system 128 is pressurized so that the plumbing
fixtures dispense water when opened. The water main 150 into the
building is typically at 80-120 psi. Most buildings buffer the
water main pressure with a pressure reducing valve (PRV) to lower
the pressure to 40-70 psi, which also isolates noise seen with
sensors when connected directly to the water main 150. Within the
building 112, temperature and pressure are stabilize at a given
rate of flow caused by leak or intentional egress from the plumbing
system 116. Measuring with various sensors at the water device 120
allows detecting egress even for situations with a conventional
flow sensor cannot perceive any usage.
[0036] The water device(s) 120 uses different techniques to find
very small leaks in the plumbing system 116 that are not detected
by a conventional flow sensor. For example, turbine flow meters do
not sense below 0.7 gpm and ultrasonic flow sensors have resolution
down to 0.1-0.2 gpm. Statistical approaches and signal processing
techniques process temperature, pressure and/or other sensor
readings for the leak detection by relying on variations of the
temperature signal to provide first insights into the possibility
of a leak with pressure and/or flow sensing optionally assisting in
validating the likelihood of a leak in the plumbing system 116.
Embodiments allow detection of leaks below 0.7 gpm and as low as
0.06 gpm in various embodiments.
[0037] One or more point interface(s) 124 may or may not be in
fluid communication with the plumbing system, but can gather data
in some embodiments such as ambient temperature, temperature
outside the pipe, water pressure inside the pipe, and/or acoustic
waves inside or outside the pipe. The point interfaces 124 are
coupled to the network 134 to allow input and output to the user
with an interface, and/or could use peer connection with other
point interfaces 124 and/or water devices 120. The point interface
124 may be separate from the plumbing system 116 altogether while
providing status on the water analysis system 100 such as
instantaneous water usage, water usage over a time period, water
temperature, water pressure, error conditions, etc. relayed from a
water device 120. Error conditions such as leaks, frozen pipes,
running toilets or faucets, missing or defective PRV, water bill
estimates, low pressure, water heater malfunction, well pump
issues, and/or other issues with the plumbing system 116 can be
displayed at the point interfaces 124.
[0038] The user device 130 can be any tablet, cellular telephone,
web browser, or other interface to the water analysis system 100.
The water device(s) 120 is enrolled into a user account with the
user device 130. Some or all of the information available at a
point interface 124 can be made available to the user device using
an application, app and/or browser interface. The user device 130
can wired or wirelessly connect with the water device(s) 120, cloud
analyzer 108, and/or point interface(s) 124 using the LAN network
134 or a WAN network.
[0039] With reference to FIG. 2, a block diagram of an embodiment
of a water device 120 is shown. Different versions of water device
120 may have fewer components, for example, a water device 120 at
an egress point or fixture may only have pressure and temperature
sensors 240, 248 with a network interface 208 to relay that
information to another water device 120 for processing. A power
supply 220 could be internal or external to the water device 120 to
provide DC or AC power to the various circuits. In some
embodiments, a replaceable battery provides power while other
embodiments use the water pressure to drive a turbine that
recharges a battery to provide power without using grid power.
[0040] Some water devices 120 include a valve actuator 236 that
operates a valve suspending flow from the water main 150. If there
is a leak detected or testing is performed, the valve actuator 236
may be activated to prevent further consumption of water from the
municipal water system 128. In some embodiments, the valve actuator
236 can partially constrict the water flow to change the water
pressure in the building 112. Modulating the water pressure with
the valve actuator 236 allows introduction of pressure waves into
the plumbing system 116.
[0041] An analysis engine 204 gathers various data from the
pressure sensor(s) 240, flow sensor(s) 244, temperature sensor(s)
248, and audio sensor(s) 250, sonar transducer 264, and/or water
level sensor(s) 260. Interface pages 216 allow interaction with the
water device 120 through a network interface 208 in a wired or
wireless fashion with the user device(s) 130. The analysis engine
204 also supports a unit interface 212 that is physically part of
the water device 120 to display various status, information and
graphics using an OLED, LED, LCD display and/or status lights or
LEDs.
[0042] Various information is stored by the water device 120, which
may be reconciled with the cloud analyzer 108 in-whole or in-part
using the network interface 208 coupled with the LAN network 134 or
the Internet 104 using a cellular modem. Sensor data for the
various sensors 240, 244, 248, 250, 260, 264 are stored in the
sensor data store 228 over time to allow for longitudinal analysis.
For example, several hours through several days of sensor data can
be stored. The granularity of readings and length of time stored
may be predefined, limited by available storage or change based
upon conditions of the plumbing system 116. For example, data
samples every second over a two day period could be stored, but
when a leak is suspected the sample rate could increase to sixty
times a second for four hours of time.
[0043] When fixtures or appliances interact with the water in the
plumbing system 116, recognizable patterns occur at the water
device 120. Pattern profiles 224 are stored to quickly match
current sensor readings to known events. For example, a particular
faucet when used may cause the flow, pressure and/or temperature
sensor 244, 240, 248 readings to fluctuate in a predictable manner
such that the pattern profile can be matched to current readings to
conclude usage is occurring at a particular egress point.
application Ser. No. 14/937,831, entitled "WATER LEAK DETECTION
USING PRESSURE SENSING," filed on Nov. 10, 2015, describes this
analysis and is incorporated by reference for all purposes. The
pattern profiles 224 can be in the time domain and/or frequency
domain to support various condition matching by the analysis engine
204. Both intentional egress and leaks have pattern profiles 224
that are stored.
[0044] Audio patterns and sonar patterns captured respectively from
the audio sensor 250 and sonar transducer 264 are also stored as
pattern profiles 224. The sonar transducer 264 may also emit bursts
or pulses into the water at different frequencies, amplitudes and
durations stored with the other pattern profiles 224. The sonar
transducer 264 can also operate as a microphone to listen to
reflections of the signals sent or from other water devices 120 in
lieu of the audio sensor 250 or in addition to the audio sensor
250. Some pressure sensors are sensitive to the 120 Hz or lower
spectrum to also act as a sonar microphone. The audio sensor(s) 250
could be coupled to the water, pipes, appliances, fixtures, and/or
ambient air in the building 112 in various embodiments.
[0045] A configuration database 232 stores information gathered for
the water device 120. The Table depicts water supply parameters
stored in the configuration database 232. Type of plumbing system
116 includes those without a PRV, using well water, with a working
PRV, and with a non-functional PRV. The water supply to the water
main 150 can be from the municipal water system 128, a well, a
water tank, and/or other source. The configuration database 232 can
be automatically populated using algorithms of the analysis engine
204 or manually entered by the user device 130. Different fixtures
and appliances connected to the plumbing system 116 are noted in
the configuration database 232 as automatically determined or
entered manually.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE Water Supply Field Options Type No PRV Well
water Working PRV Non-Functional PRV Supply Municipal water Well
Tank
[0046] Referring next to FIG. 3, a block diagram of an embodiment
of a cloud analyzer 108 is shown. The cloud analyzer 108 receives
data and configuration information from many buildings 112
throughout the water analysis system 100. Each building 112 has a
system profile 224 that is stored including the fixtures,
appliances, water device(s) 120, point interface(s) 124, type of
water supply, water source type, etc. are stored. Account
information 232 including login credentials, building location,
and/or user demographic information is also stored. Gathered sensor
data in raw and processed form is stored as analyzer data 228 and
could include usage history, specific egress events, leaks
detected, fixture profiles, appliance profiles, etc.
[0047] The system analyzer 204 can process the data from each
building 112 to find patterns corresponding to leaks, malfunctions,
and other events that are not recognized by the water device 120
locally. By gathering sensor information from many buildings 112,
the system analyzer 204 can use machine learning and big data to
find very weak signals in the gathered sensor information. The
system analyzer 204 can access any water device 120 or point
interface 124 to test functionality, update software, and/or gather
data. Where a user device 130 is coupled to the cloud analyzer 108,
the system analyzer 204 receives commands to perform requested
tasks from users. For example, the user device 130 can query for
usage on a per fixture or appliance basis. Overall usage by the
plumbing system 116 in the associated building 112 can also be
determined. The system analyzer 204 can access the water utility
usage and billing to provide insights into costs and overall
consumption. For those utilities that provide usage information in
real time, the usage and cost can be determined for each use of the
plumbing system 116.
[0048] An account interface 216 allows various water devices 120
and user devices 130 to interact with the cloud analyzer 108
through an internet interface 208. The cloud analyzer 108 provides
historical and real time analysis of buildings 118 a user is
authorized to access. Various interaction pages of the account
interface 216 allows entry of plumbing system information,
configuration parameters, building location, and/or user
demographic information. Various reports and status parameters are
presented to the user device 130 through the account interface
216.
[0049] With reference to FIG. 4, a block diagram of an embodiment
of a plumbing system 116 is shown. The municipal water system 128
is connected to a main shutoff valve 412-1 before the water main
150 passes through a water meter 404 provided by the municipality
for billing purposes. The water meter 404 may be electronically or
manually read to determine the bill, but some embodiments allow
real time reading of the water meter 404 electronically over a WAN
or LAN.
[0050] Building codes often require use of a PRV 408, but not
universally. Older homes may also be missing a PRV, have one that
no longer functions properly or have less than 80 psi supplied by
the municipal water system 128. A building shutoff valve 412-2 is
often located interior to the building 112 and provides another
place to close off the water main. A water device 120 is located
after the building shutoff valve 412-2, but before a water heater
416 in this embodiment. The water device 120 can be placed under
the sink, near an appliance or any other location where fluid
coupling is convenient with a source of power nearby.
[0051] In this example, a portion of a water line may be removed,
such that the water device 120 may be installed inline with the
water line. Alternatively, as discussed in further detail below,
the water device 120 can be coupled to a fixture 440 through which
water can flow, such as a water spigot or faucet. The hot water
pipes 424 provide heated water to the building 118 and the cold
water pipes 420 provide unheated water varying between the ambient
temperature in the building 112 and the temperature of the
municipal water system 128. The hot water pipes 424 may include a
circulation pump. The hot and cold water pipes 424, 420 could
branch and split in any configuration as they are fed through the
walls and floors of the building 112.
[0052] This embodiment has a single bathroom 428, a kitchen 432, a
washing machine 436, and a water spigot 440, but other embodiments
could have more or less fixtures and appliances. The bathroom 428
has a shower 444, sink 448, bathtub 452, and toilet 456 that use
water. The sink 448, bathtub 452, and shower 444 are all hooked to
both the hot and cold water pipes 424, 420. The toilet 456 only
requires cold water so is not hooked to the hot water pipes 424.
Other buildings 112 could have any number of egress points from the
plumbing system 116.
[0053] The kitchen 432 includes a two-basin sink 460, a
refrigerator 464 with a liquid/ice dispenser, and a dishwasher 468.
The refrigerator 464 only receives cold water 420, but the
two-basin sink 460 and dishwasher 468 receive both cold and hot
water pipes 420, 424. Kitchens 432 commonly include single-basin
sinks and other appliances that might be coupled to the water. A
typical building 112 has hundreds or thousands of pipes branching
in every direction.
[0054] Referring next to FIG. 5, a diagram of an embodiment of a
water device 500 is shown. The water device 120 may pass water
through a pipe 510 that is integral to the water device 120. The
pipe 510 may be attached on both ends to either a hot or a cold
water line 424, 420. Alternatively, the top of the pipe 510 may be
connected to an adapter for a faucet. The integral portion of the
pipe 510 could be made of copper, PVC, plastic, or other building
pipe material and could be mated to the plumbing system 116 with
soldered joints, glued joints, and/or detachable and flexible hoses
in various embodiments.
[0055] There are several modules that make up the water device 120.
A power supply 220 powers the water device 120 and could be
internal or external to the enclosure. A network module 520
includes the network interface 208 to allow wired or wireless
communication with the network 134 and Internet 104 to other
components of the water analysis system 100. A display assembly 522
includes the unit interface 212.
[0056] Another module is the circuit card 536 which performs the
processing for various sensors. Sensor information can be processed
on the circuit card 536 using the analysis engine 204 and/or
processed in the cloud using the system analyzer 204. Sensor
information is gathered and analyzed over hours and days to find
weak signals in the data indicating usage, leaks and other issues.
The circuit card 536 might recognize sensor samples of interest and
upload those to the cloud analyzer 108 for deep learning of the
sensor data. The circuit card 536 and cloud analyzer 108 can use
artificial intelligence, genetic algorithms, fuzzy logic, and/or
machine learning to recognize the condition and state of the
plumbing system 116.
[0057] This embodiment includes three temperature sensors 512 to
measure the ambient temperature with a temperature sensor 512-3
near the outside of the enclosure and away from the internal
electronics and water temperature of the water in the pipe 510 in
two locations. A first temperature sensor 512-1 measures water
temperature in contact with the water as it enters the pipe 510 of
the water device 120 away from any heat that the various circuits
might generate. A second temperature sensor 512-2 measures water
temperature at a second location within the pipe 510 and away from
the first temperature sensor 512-1. Based upon readings of the two
water temperature sensors 512-1, 512-2, the heat generated by the
water device 120 is algorithmically corrected for. A third
temperature sensor 512-3 measures the ambient temperature outside
of the pipe 510. Other embodiments may only use a single water
temperature sensor and/or forgo the ambient temperature sensing.
Ambient temperature may be measured by other equipment in the
building and made available over the network 134, for example, the
thermostat, smoke detectors, other water devices 120, and/or point
interface(s) 124 can measure ambient temperature and provide it to
other equipment in the building 112. Some embodiments could have a
temperature sensor outside the building 112 or gather that
information from local weather stations over the Internet 104.
[0058] This embodiment includes an electronically actuated shutoff
valve 532. The shutoff valve 532 can be used to prevent flooding
for leaks downstream of the water device 120. Additionally, the
shutoff valve 532 can aid in detecting leaks. For example, the
shutoff valve 532 and detecting a falling pressure is indicative of
a leak downstream. Some embodiments can partially close the shutoff
valve 532 to regulate pressure downstream. A one-way valve 533 may
also be provided to regulate water flow into the pipe 510 and force
it to flow in one direction.
[0059] A flow sensor 528 is used to measure the motion of water in
the in the pipe 510. In this embodiment, an ultrasonic flow sensor
is used, but other embodiments could use a rotameter, variable area
flow meter, spring and piston flow meter, mass gas flow meters,
turbine flow meters, paddlewheel sensors, positive displacement
flow meter, and vortex meter. Generally, these meters and sensors
cannot measure very small flows in a pipe in a practical way for
building deployments. A plurality of electrodes 529 including a
reference electrode and a measurement electrode may be provided
within the pipe 510 to indicate a water level within the pipe
510.
[0060] This embodiment includes a sonar emitter 540 that produces
sound tones, pules and/or bursts at different frequencies. A sonar
microphone 544 receives sonar signals from the water in the pipe
510. Reflections from the various branches of the plumbing system
116 will produce reflections of different amplitude and delay
according to the length of travel and other factors. When there are
blockages in the plumbing system 116 from valves, clogs and/or
frozen pipes, the echoes from the sonar emissions are received by
the sonar microphone 544. Changes in the time delay between
transmission and receiving of sonar signals indicate blockage or
other changes in the plumping system 116. Other embodiments may
combine the sonar emitter and microphone with a single sonar
transducer.
[0061] The circuit card 536 is connected with a pressure sensor
524, which is coupled to the water in the pipe 510. Readings from
the pressure sensor 524 are used to test the PRV 408, well pump,
water supply, freeze conditions, and pipe for leaks as well as
identify normal egress from the water fixtures and appliances.
Pressure and temperature vary with flow such that the pressure
sensor 524 and temperature sensor 512-1, 512-2 can be used to
detect flow as small as tiny leaks under certain circumstances. The
circuit card 536 observes trends in the sensor data, performs
spectral analysis, pattern matching and other signal processing on
the sensor data. application Ser. No. 15/818,562, entitled "PASSIVE
LEAK DETECTION FOR BUILDING WATER SUPPLY," filed on Nov. 20, 2017,
describes how to use the water device 500 to detect and
characterize small leaks, and is incorporated by reference for all
purposes.
[0062] Referring next to FIG. 6, an embodiment of water fixture 440
is fitted with integral sensors to provide some of the capability
of the water device of FIG. 5. An electronics module 608 includes a
network interface for LAN and/or WAN communication along with
circuitry to operate sensors and process or partially process the
resulting readings. This embodiment includes a temperature sensor
512, pressure sensor 524 and a sonar microphone 544, but other
embodiments could include more or less sensors. For example, some
embodiments include a sonar emitter or a combination pressure and
temperature sensor. The water fixture 440 could have other
electronic features such as adjusting the egress flow to override a
manual knob 612 or mixture of hot and cold water to adjust the
temperature of water exiting the water fixture 440.
[0063] With reference to FIG. 7, a block diagram of an embodiment
of a plumbing system 700 is shown. The plumbing system may include
the water heater 416, which is coupled to the hot water pipe 424
and the cold water pipe 420. Each of the hot water pipe 424 and the
cold water pipe 420 branches off throughout the plumbing system
700. For simplicity, FIG. 7 only shows a subset of the fixtures
that may be included in the plumbing system 116 shown in FIG. 4.
Specifically, FIG. 7 only shows the sink 460 in the kitchen 432,
the toilet 456 in the bathroom 428, and the sink 448 in the
bathroom 428. Although only one water device 120 is shown, the
plumbing system 700 may include any number of water devices and/or
water fixtures. The plumbing system 700 may also include any number
of temperature sensors, pressure sensors, audio sensors, flow
sensors, transducers, and/or microphones.
[0064] A first pressure sensor 524-1 may be affixed to a branch of
the hot water pipe 424 underneath the sink 460 in the kitchen 432.
The first pressure sensor 524-1 may be a standalone component, or
may be integrated within the water device 500 or the water fixture
440. A second pressure sensor 524-2 may be affixed to a branch of
the cold water pipe 420 underneath the sink 460 in the kitchen 432.
The second pressure sensor 524-2 may be a standalone component, or
may be integrated within the water device 500 or the water fixture
440. The first pressure sensor 524-1 and the second pressure sensor
524-2 may be affixed to any segment of the hot water pipe 424 and
the cold water pipe 420, respectively. More generally, the first
pressure sensor 524-1 and the second pressure sensor 524-2 may be
affixed to any separate locations within the plumbing system 700,
provided that there is at least one branch point between the
locations. The first pressure sensor 524-1 and the second pressure
sensor 524-2 may be configured to determine an estimated location
of an egress point, such as a leak 710 within the plumbing system
700 or the opening of a fixture within the plumbing system 700.
[0065] Referring next to FIG. 8, an embodiment of a method 800 for
determining a location of an egress point in a plumbing system in
shown. The method 800 begins at block 805 where a database of
calibrated temporal differences for a plurality of fixtures within
the plumbing system 700 is generated. In the simplified example of
the plumbing system 700 shown in FIG. 7, the database may include
data for the toilet 456 in the bathroom 428 and the sink 448 in the
bathroom 428. However, the database may also include data for
additional fixtures within the plumbing system 700, such as the
fixtures that are included in the plumbing system 116 shown in FIG.
4. In general, the database may include data for any or all
fixtures within a plumbing system, provided that the fixtures are
connected to the hot water pipe 424 and/or the cold water pipe
420.
[0066] Referring next to FIGS. 9A-9E, examples of pressure data
that may be used to generate the database of calibrated temporal
differences are shown. Each graph includes a first pressure signal
905 as a function of time as measured by the first pressure sensor
524-1 for the hot water pipe 424, and a second pressure signal 910
as a function of time as measured by the second pressure sensor
524-2 for the cold water pipe 420. The events shown in each graph
are generated by turning on the hot water or the cold water at
various fixtures within the plumbing system 116.
[0067] With reference to FIG. 9A, eleven events are shown for
various fixtures within the plumbing system 116. Specifically,
event 915 corresponds to turning on the cold water at the kitchen
sink 460 at a flow rate of 1.8 gpm, event 920 corresponds to
turning on the hot water at the kitchen sink 460 at a flow rate of
1.8 gpm, event 925 corresponds to turning on the cold water at the
kitchen sink 460 at a flow rate of 1.2 gpm, event 930 corresponds
to turning on the hot water at the kitchen sink 460 at a flow rate
of 1.7 gpm, event 935 corresponds to turning on the cold water at
the bathroom sink 448 at a flow rate of 1.5 gpm, event 940
corresponds to turning on the hot water at the bathroom sink 448 at
a flow rate of 1.5 gpm, event 945 corresponds to turning on the
cold water by flushing the toilet 456 at a flow rate of 3.4 gpm,
event 950 corresponds to turning on the hot water at an upstairs
bathroom sink (not shown) at a flow rate of 1.4 gpm, event 955
corresponds to turning on the cold water at the upstairs bathroom
sink at a flow rate of 1.4 gpm, event 960 corresponds to turning on
the cold water at the bathtub 452 at a flow rate of 8 gpm, and
event 965 corresponds to turning on the hot water at the bathtub
452 at a flow rate of 6.2 gpm.
[0068] With reference to FIG. 9B, a magnified view of event 915 is
shown. This view demonstrates that after the cold water is turned
on at the kitchen sink 460, the second pressure signal 910 as
measured by the second pressure sensor 524-2 for the cold water
pipe 420 drops before the first pressure signal 905 as measured by
the first pressure sensor 524-1 for the hot water pipe 424. The
first pressure signal 905 and the second pressure signal 910 may be
transmitted to the user device 130 and/or the water device 120, and
a processor within either of these devices may determine the
temporal difference between the pressure drops. The temporal
difference and the conditions under which event 915 occurred may be
recorded in the database of calibrated temporal differences.
[0069] With reference to FIG. 9C, a magnified view of event 920 is
shown. This view demonstrates that after the hot water is turned on
at the kitchen sink 460, the first pressure signal 905 as measured
by the first pressure sensor 524-1 for the hot water pipe 424 drops
before the second pressure signal 910 as measured by the second
pressure sensor 524-2 for the cold water pipe 420. The first
pressure signal 905 and the second pressure signal 910 may be
transmitted to the user device 130 and/or the water device 120, and
a processor within either of these devices may determine the
temporal difference between the pressure drops. The temporal
difference and the conditions under which event 920 occurred may be
recorded in the database of calibrated temporal differences.
[0070] With reference to FIG. 9D, a magnified view of event 935 is
shown. This view demonstrates that after the cold water is turned
on at the bathroom sink 448, the second pressure signal 910 as
measured by the second pressure sensor 524-2 for the cold water
pipe 420 drops before the first pressure signal 905 as measured by
the first pressure sensor 524-1 for the hot water pipe 424. The
first pressure signal 905 and the second pressure signal 910 may be
transmitted to the user device 130 and/or the water device 120, and
a processor within either of these devices may determine the
temporal difference between the pressure drops. The temporal
difference and the conditions under which event 935 occurred may be
recorded in the database of calibrated temporal differences.
[0071] With reference to FIG. 9E, a magnified view of event 940 is
shown. This view demonstrates that after the hot water is turned on
at the bathroom sink 448, the first pressure signal 905 as measured
by the first pressure sensor 524-1 for the hot water pipe 424 drops
before the second pressure signal 910 as measured by the second
pressure sensor 524-2 for the cold water pipe 420. The first
pressure signal 905 and the second pressure signal 910 may be
transmitted to the user device 130 and/or the water device 120, and
a processor within either of these devices may determine the
temporal difference between the pressure drops. The temporal
difference and the conditions under which event 940 occurred may be
recorded in the database of calibrated temporal differences.
[0072] The database of calibrated temporal differences may be used
to determine an estimated location of an egress point in a plumbing
system, such as leak 710 in plumbing system 700 or the opening of a
fixture in plumbing system 700. Each temporal difference provides a
unique signature for the fixture at which the corresponding event
occurred. The database of calibrated temporal differences may serve
as a map of the fixtures within the plumbing system 700, such that
the location of a subsequent event, such as a leak, may be narrowed
down by comparing its temporal difference with the calibrated
temporal differences within the database.
[0073] Returning to FIG. 8, the method 800 continues by using the
first pressure sensor 524-1 to measure the first pressure signal
905 for the first location, such as the hot water pipe 424, at
block 810. This measurement may be performed to estimate the
location of leak 710 in plumbing system 700. The method 800 also
uses the second pressure sensor 524-2 to measure the second
pressure signal 910 for the second location, such as the cold water
pipe 420, at block 815. The first pressure signal 905 and the
second pressure signal 910 may be transmitted to the user device
130 and/or the water device 120, and a processor within either of
these devices may determine the temporal difference between the
pressure drops at block 820. The processor may then use the
measured temporal difference to determine the estimated location of
leak 710 at block 825. For example, the processor may compare the
measured temporal difference to the calibrated temporal differences
within the database, and determine that leak 710 is occurring
within one of the fixtures or between two of the fixtures. In one
example, if the measured temporal difference for leak 710 is
between the calibrated temporal differences for the bathroom sink
448 and the kitchen sink 460, the processor may determine that leak
710 is located within the cold water pipe 420 between the bathroom
sink 448 and the kitchen sink 460. Once the estimated location of
leak 710 has been determined, various methods may be used to refine
the estimate, as discussed in further detail below. Alternatively,
the processor may use the measured temporal difference to determine
which fixture was opened at block 825.
[0074] With reference to FIG. 10, an embodiment of a method 1000
for determining a location of an egress point in a plumbing system
in shown. The method 1000 begins at block 1005 where an estimated
location of an egress point is transmitted to the user device 130.
The estimated location of the egress point may be transmitted by
any suitable method, such as through network 134 and/or Internet
104. Block 1005 may be omitted if the user device 130 determines
the estimated location of the egress point. The estimated location
of the egress point may be determined by method 800.
[0075] A user may scan the user device 130 in an area that
encompasses the estimated location of the egress point at block
1010. The user device 130 may include a first sonar microphone that
is configured to measure audio signals. As water exits a pipe
through a hole in the pipe, the leak may produce enough sound to be
detected by the first sonar microphone at block 1015. For example,
the leak may make various sounds such as a fast drip, a slow drip,
or a spray. The leak may have a frequency that can provide a
signature for detection. Further, an intentional egress may make
various sounds, such as rushing water or rattling pipes. The user
device 130 may also include a filter that enables the user to
filter out sounds that are unlikely to be caused by the leak. The
user device 130 may also include a speaker that is configured to
produce an audible sound to assist the user in locating the egress
point. For example, as the user moves the user device 130 closer to
the egress point, the speaker may emit an audible sound that
becomes louder, or that repeats itself at a higher frequency. Once
the user device 130 has identified a position at which the audio
signal is maximized, the estimated location of the egress point may
be modified accordingly at block 1020.
[0076] In some embodiments, the user device 130 may include a
second sonar microphone that is configured to measure audio
signals. The second sonar microphone may detect the sound produced
by the egress point at block 1025. Once the user device 130 has
identified a position at which the audio signal is maximized, the
estimated location of the egress point may be modified by
triangulating the measurements from the first sonar microphone and
the second sonar microphone at block 1030.
[0077] With reference to FIG. 11, an embodiment of another method
1100 for determining a location of an egress point in a plumbing
system in shown. The method 1100 begins at block 1105 where an
estimated location of an egress point is transmitted to the user
device 130. The estimated location of the egress point may be
transmitted by any suitable method, such as through network 134
and/or Internet 104. Block 1105 may be omitted if the user device
130 determines the estimated location of the egress point. The
estimated location of the egress point may be determined by method
800.
[0078] An ultrasonic signal may be applied to a pipe within the
plumbing system 700 at block 1110. The ultrasonic signal may be
applied by a transducer within the user device 130. Alternatively,
the ultrasonic signal may be applied by a transducer within the
water device 120 or a standalone transducer, in which case the
transducer transmits information about the ultrasonic signal to the
user device 130. The information may include the frequency of the
ultrasonic signal and the location and time at which the ultrasonic
signal was applied. The frequency may be selected based on an
estimated size of the hole in the pipe. Further, the frequency may
be adjusted until a resonant frequency is identified. The
information may also include any encoding of the ultrasonic signal.
In addition, multiple ultrasonic signals may be applied by multiple
transducers, in which the multiple ultrasonic signals may have
different frequencies.
[0079] A user may scan the user device 130 in an area that
encompasses the estimated location of the egress point at block
1115. The user device 130 may include a first sonar microphone that
is configured to measure ultrasonic signals. When the ultrasonic
signal reaches the hole in the pipe, the ultrasonic signal is
altered as it escapes from the pipe through the hole. The altered
ultrasonic signal may be detected by the first sonar microphone at
block 1120. The user device 130 may also include a filter that
enables the user to filter out sounds that are unlikely to be
caused by the altered ultrasonic signal. The user device 130 may
also include a speaker that is configured to produce an audible
sound to assist the user in locating the egress point. For example,
as the user moves the user device 130 closer to the egress point,
the speaker may emit an audible sound that becomes louder, or that
repeats itself at a higher frequency. Once the user device 130 has
identified a position at which the altered ultrasonic signal is
maximized, the estimated location of the egress point may be
modified accordingly at block 1125.
[0080] In some embodiments, the user device 130 may include a
second sonar microphone that is configured to measure ultrasonic
signals. The second sonar microphone may detect the altered
ultrasonic signal at block 1130. Once the user device 130 has
identified a position at which the altered ultrasonic signal is
maximized, the estimated location of the egress point may be
modified by triangulating the measurements from the first sonar
microphone and the second sonar microphone at block 1135. Using
multiple ultrasonic signals with different frequencies may improve
the accuracy of the triangulation. Alternatively or in addition,
the duration between the time that the ultrasonic signal is applied
and the time that the altered ultrasonic signal is measured may be
used to modify the estimated location of the egress point.
[0081] With reference to FIG. 12, an embodiment of yet another
method 1200 for determining a location of an egress point in a
plumbing system in shown. The method 1200 begins at block 1205
where an estimated location of an egress point is transmitted to
the user device 130. The estimated location of the egress point may
be transmitted by any suitable method, such as through network 134
and/or Internet 104. Block 1205 may be omitted if the user device
130 determines the estimated location of the egress point. The
estimated location of the egress point may be determined by method
800.
[0082] A user may scan a thermal device in an area that encompasses
the estimated location of the egress point at block 1210. The
thermal device may measure an infrared signal at block 1215. As
water exits a pipe through a hole in the pipe, the leak may cause a
thermal transfer, such that a bloom corresponding to the location
of the leak appears as a change in temperature within an infrared
image acquired by the thermal device. Temperature sensors in the
vicinity of the leak may be used to estimate the temperature of the
water from the leak. The leak may then be identified within the
infrared image according to the temperature estimate provided by
the infrared image. The infrared image may also indicate the
location of the pipes behind the walls if the temperature of the
water in the pipes is different from the temperature of the walls.
Various temperature sensors within the plumbing system may measure
the temperature of the water in the pipes, and these measurements
may be used in order to filter the infrared signal to remove
components other than the pipes. The thermal device may transmit
the infrared signal to the user device 130 at block 1220. The user
device 130 may display the infrared signal at block 1225. The
infrared signal may be used to modify the estimated location of the
egress point at block 1230.
[0083] Referring next to FIG. 13, a diagram of an embodiment of a
portable water device 1300 is shown. The portable water device 1300
may be used to detect and localize egress points in a manner
similar to that described above with reference to the water device
500 shown in FIG. 5. The portable water device 1300 may include
some or all of the features and functions of the water device 500,
and may be used in conjunction with the methods described in FIGS.
8 and 10-12. For example, the portable water device 1300 may be
used to transmit and/or receive an audio or ultrasonic signal,
measure a pressure signal, and/or determine an estimated location
of an egress point within the plumbing system. The portable water
device 1300 may be connected to the output of any water source
within the plumbing system, such that it is unnecessary to remove a
portion of a pipe in order to install the portable water device
1300. Further, the portable water device 1300 may be connected
temporarily, and may be moved between various water sources within
a plumbing system 116. For example, a home inspector may use the
portable water device 1300 to test for leaks at a kitchen faucet,
an outdoor spigot, a bathtub spout, a shower head, an aerator, or
any other accessible water source inside or outside of a house.
[0084] The portable water device 1300 includes a body 1310 on which
a display 1340 may show various numerical readings, such as water
pressure, water temperature, and/or water flow. The display 1340
may cycle through these numerical readings automatically or at the
instruction of a user. In addition, the body 1310 may include
status indicator lights 1341, 1342, 1343, and 1344 that provide
various types of information. For example, the status indicator
lights 1341, 1342, 1343, and 1344 may indicate whether the portable
water device 1300 has power; whether the portable water device 1300
is operational; and/or whether a leak has been detected. Although
four status indicator lights are shown in FIG. 13, any suitable
number of status indicator lights may be used. The body 1310 may
also include buttons 1330 and 1331 that a user may press in order
to perform various functions, such as turning on the portable water
device 1300, starting a leak detection algorithm, indicating
whether the main shutoff valve 412-1 is open or closed, etc.
Although two buttons are shown in FIG. 13, any suitable number of
buttons may be used.
[0085] As shown in FIG. 13, the portable water device 1300 may also
include a battery 1320 that is integrated with the body 1310. The
battery 1320 may be rechargeable by a wired or a wireless
connection. Alternatively or in addition, the portable water device
1300 may include the power supply 220 described above. The portable
water device 1300 may have a size and a weight that allow a user to
hold the portable water device 1300 in a single hand. For example,
the portable water device 1300 may be 10'' tall, 4'' wide, and 4''
thick, although any other suitable dimensions may be used, as long
as the portable water device 1300 can be easily carried by the
user. The body 1310 of the portable water device 1300 may be made
of materials that are rugged and waterproof, and the entire
portable water device 1300 may be sealed.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 13, the portable water device 1300 may also
include an adapter 1350 that is connected to the cold water pipe
420. Although the adapter 1350 is shown as being connected to the
cold water pipe 420, the adapter 1350 may also be connected
(directly or indirectly) to the hot water pipe 424. The adapter
1350 may be connected directly to the cold water pipe 420 by any
suitable method, such as threading, welding, soldering, or brazing.
Alternatively, a fastener or a fitting may be used to connect the
adapter 1350 to the cold water pipe 420, either temporarily or
permanently. A leak-free seal may be formed between the adapter
1350 and the cold water pipe 420.
[0087] Referring next to FIG. 14, the adapter 1350 may be used to
connect the portable water device 1300 to an accessible water
source within or outside of a house. For example, the adapter 1350
may be connected with a spout 1410 of a kitchen faucet shown in
FIG. 14. In this example, the adapter 1350 may slide over the spout
1410, and may include a material such as rubber that adjusts its
shape to maintain a leak-free seal when connected with the spout
1410. The adapter 1350 may have an adjustable diameter, such that
it may slide over faucets having different sizes. Further, the
portable water device 1300 may be equipped with multiple adapters
1350 having different diameters that can be used interchangeably.
Alternatively or in addition, the adapter 1350 may include a
standard threading, such that the adapter can be screwed into a
compatible water source, such as an outdoor spigot or a garden
hose, and provide a water-tight connection. In other embodiments,
hoses and additional adapters may be used to connect the adapter
1350 with various water sources. The hoses may have limited
flexibility, such that they do not interfere with readings from the
sensors within the portable water device 1300. For example, the
hoses may be made of materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or
brass.
[0088] In some embodiments, the portable water device 1300 may
operate while the adapter 1350 is connected to the spout 1410 and
water is flowing through the cold water pipe 420. In these
embodiments, water may flow from the spout 1410 through the adapter
1350 and the cold water pipe 420, and exit the portable water
device 1300 from a hole or an extension of the cold water pipe 420
at the bottom of the portable water device 1300. This allows for
measurements by the temperature sensors 512-1 and 512-2, the
pressure sensor 524, and the flow sensor 528 as the water passes
through the cold water pipe 420.
[0089] In other embodiments, the portable water device 1300 may
operate while the adapter 1350 is connected to the spout 1410, the
cold water pipe 420 is filled with water, and the water within the
cold water pipe 420 is in fluid communication with water within the
faucet 1400. In these embodiments, the cold water pipe 420 is
filled with water such that the portable water device 1300 senses
the same water pressure that is present in the faucet 1400. A
one-way valve 533 may be provided at the top of the cold water pipe
420 to allow water to enter the cold water pipe 420 from the
adapter 1350. The shutoff valve 532 is closed to prevent water from
exiting from the bottom of the cold water pipe 420, and a plurality
of electrodes 529 including a reference electrode and a measurement
electrode may be provided within the cold water pipe 420 to
indicate when the cold water pipe 420 has been sufficiently filled
with water. Alternatively, any other suitable water level sensor
may be used to indicate when the cold water pipe 420 has been
filled with water, such as a float, a hydrostatic device, a load
cell, a magnetic level gauge, a capacitance transmitter, a
magnetostrictive level transmitter, an ultrasonic level
transmitter, a laser level transmitter, or a radar level
transmitter. Further, one of the status indicator lights 1341,
1342, 1343, or 1344 may be turned on to indicate that the portable
water device 1300 is ready to take measurements when the cold water
pipe 420 has been sufficiently filled with water.
[0090] The portable water device 1300 may send various information
to a remote device, such as a computer, smartphone, or other
electronic device. For example, as discussed above with respect to
FIG. 1, the portable water device 1300 may send information over
the network 134 to a user device 130 or the cloud analyzer 108.
Alternatively, the portable water device 1300 may send information
to the user device 130 via a wired connection, in which case the
portable water device 1300 may include a data port or an Ethernet
port. The portable water device 1300 may send information such as
whether a leak has been detected; where a leak has been detected;
and/or single measurements of the temperature and/or pressure of
the water. In addition, the portable water device 1300 may send
information indicating the temperature and/or pressure of the water
as a function of time. Further, the portable water device 1300 may
indicate whether or not there is sufficient flow in a particular
faucet. The information from the portable water device may be
displayed and/or stored by an application on the remote device.
[0091] Referring next to FIG. 15, a flowchart of an embodiment of a
method 1500 for using the portable water device 1300 is shown. In
this example, a home inspector may use the portable water device
1300 to obtain information about the water in one or more parts of
a house by connecting the portable water device 1300 to one or more
water sources inside and/or outside of the house. As shown in FIG.
15, the method 1500 begins when the home inspector connects the
portable water device 1300 to the output of a water source at block
1510. The portable water device 1300 may be connected by any
suitable method, such as those discussed above.
[0092] The home inspector may then turn on the portable water
device 1300 at block 1520. For example, the home inspector may turn
on the portable water device 1300 by pressing one of the buttons
1330 or 1331. In other embodiments, the home inspector may turn on
the portable water device 1300 by starting a flow of water from the
water source through the adapter 1350 and the cold water pipe 420
of the portable water device 1300. In these embodiments, the
portable water device 1300 may include a blade that turns when
water flows through the cold water pipe 420 and generates
sufficient electricity to power the portable water device 1300.
[0093] If the water flow was not turned on in block 1520, the home
inspector may then turn on the water flow from the water source at
block 1530. In some embodiments, water may flow through the length
of the cold water pipe 420 of the portable water device 1300 during
the measurements. In other embodiments, the measurements may occur
when the cold water pipe 420 is sufficiently filled with water, and
the water is stationary within the cold water pipe 420. In these
embodiments, the plurality of electrodes 529 may determine when the
cold water pipe 420 has been sufficiently filled with water, and
send a signal to light one of the status light indicators 1341,
1342, 1343, or 1344. The home inspector may turn off the flow of
water from the water source in response to the activation of the
status light indicator 1341, 1342, 1343, or 1344.
[0094] The home inspector may then instruct the portable water
device 1300 to start acquiring measurements at block 1540. For
example, the home inspector may instruct the portable water device
1300 to start acquiring measurements by pressing one of the buttons
1330 or 1331. In other embodiments, the home inspector may instruct
the portable water device 1300 to start acquiring measurements by
using an application on a smartphone that is connected to the
portable water device 1300 over a wireless connection, such as a
cellular network or a WiFi network. The home inspector may use the
buttons 1330 or 1331 or the application on the smartphone to
indicate which measurements should be taken, and in which order the
measurements should be taken. The status light indicators 1341,
1342, 1343, or 1344 or the application on the smartphone may
indicate when the desired measurements have been completed.
[0095] The home inspector may then remove the portable water device
1300 from the water source at block 1550. If necessary, the home
inspector may turn off the water flow from the water source before
removing the portable water device 1300. The home inspector may
remove the portable water device 1300 by any suitable method, such
as unscrewing a threaded connection and/or applying downward
pressure to release the adapter 1350 from the spout 1410.
[0096] The home inspector may then decide whether to test any
additional water sources in the house at decision block 1560. If
there are additional water sources to test, the method begins again
at block 1510. When there are no more water sources to test, the
method is complete. A processor within the portable water device
1300 may analyze the collected measurements and send the raw data
and/or the results of the analysis to a transceiver within the
portable water device 1300. The transceiver may then send the raw
data and/or the results of the analysis to a network, a cloud
analyzer, and/or a user device, such as the smartphone.
[0097] The smartphone may include an application that obtains
position information corresponding to the location where the
portable water device 1300 takes the measurements. The application
may also access a database of other houses near the location, and
display characteristics of the other houses and their water
systems. In addition, the application may allow the home inspector
to input characteristics of the house that is being tested, and
suggest tests to run based on the characteristics.
[0098] In addition to the measurements discussed above, the
portable water device 1300 can be modified to take various other
measurements to characterize the water in a plumbing system. For
example, the portable water device 1300 may be modified to
incorporate a home-testing kit for contaminants such as bacteria,
lead, pesticides, iron, copper, nitrates, nitrites, and chlorine.
The portable water device 1300 may be modified to incorporate a
home-testing kit for total dissolved solids, pH, alkalinity, and/or
hardness.
[0099] In addition, the portable water device 1300 may be used to
evaluate and/or calibrate a water meter for a building, such as a
house. For example, the portable water device 1300 may measure the
water flow at a water source near the water meter. This reading may
be compared with the water flow reported by the water meter.
Calibrating the water meter may ensure that the customer is not
overcharged by the water company for water usage that is calculated
based on the water flow.
[0100] Further, the portable water device 1300 may be used to
assess whether the water within a pipe is susceptible to freezing
and causing the pipe to burst. For example, the portable water
device 1300 may be connected to an outdoor spigot or an indoor
faucet near a pipe that is positioned along an exterior wall. A
temperature measurement near 32.degree. F. may indicate that the
water is close to freezing. Further, a pressure measurement that is
higher than normal may indicate that some of the water in the pipe
has already frozen and caused a partial ice blockage. Similarly,
the portable water device 1300 may also be used to identify a clog
within a pipe, based on a pressure measurement that is higher than
normal.
[0101] In addition, the portable water device 1300 may be used to
evaluate the performance of a water heater. For example, the
portable water device 1300 may be connected to a water source whose
hot water is supplied by the water heater. The portable water
device 1300 may then measure the temperature of the water as a
function of time. The data may be analyzed to determine how long it
takes for the water to become hot, and how long the supply of hot
water lasts. The data may also be analyzed to determine whether the
temperature of the water is consistent over time, or whether it
needs to be stabilized. This method may be used to evaluate the
performance of a standard water heater or a tankless water
heater.
[0102] Further, the portable water device 1300 may be used to
assess the capacity of the plumbing system to provide sufficient
water pressure during times of high usage. For example, the
portable water device 1300 may be connected to a water source
within a house, and the water pressure may be measured as a
function of time while the water is turned on for various
additional water sources. The water may be turned on incrementally
for the various additional water sources. This method may be used
to determine whether a water storage tank is necessary to ensure a
consistent water pressure during times of high usage.
[0103] The portable water device 1300 may also be used to identify
a failure or potential failure of a specific fixture, based on the
measured pattern profile of the fixture. In addition, the portable
water device 1300 may be used to identify hammering in a specific
pipe, based on the measured pattern profile of a water source that
is supplied by the pipe.
[0104] A number of variations and modifications of the disclosed
embodiments can also be used. For example, the plumbing analyzer
can be used to monitor any liquid distributed in pipes. This could
include industrial plants, sprinkler systems, gas distribution
systems, refineries, hydrocarbon production equipment, municipal
water distribution, etc. The plumbing system is a closed system
with pressurized liquid (e.g., a gas) that is released in a
selective and controlled manner using valves.
[0105] Specific details are given in the above description to
provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it is
understood that the embodiments may be practiced without these
specific details. For example, circuits may be shown in block
diagrams in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary
detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes,
algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without
unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.
[0106] Implementation of the techniques, blocks, steps and means
described above may be done in various ways. For example, these
techniques, blocks, steps and means may be implemented in hardware,
software, or a combination thereof. For a hardware implementation,
the processing units may be implemented within one or more
application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal
processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs),
programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays
(FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers,
microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the
functions described above, and/or a combination thereof.
[0107] Also, it is noted that the embodiments may be described as a
process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a swim
diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block
diagram. Although a depiction may describe the operations as a
sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in
parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations
may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are
completed, but could have additional steps not included in the
figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a
procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process
corresponds to a function, its termination corresponds to a return
of the function to the calling function or the main function.
[0108] Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware,
software, scripting languages, firmware, middleware, microcode,
hardware description languages, and/or any combination thereof.
When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, scripting
language, and/or microcode, the program code or code segments to
perform the necessary tasks may be stored in a machine readable
medium such as a storage medium. A code segment or
machine-executable instruction may represent a procedure, a
function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a
module, a software package, a script, a class, or any combination
of instructions, data structures, and/or program statements. A code
segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware
circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments,
parameters, and/or memory contents. Information, arguments,
parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via
any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token
passing, network transmission, etc.
[0109] For a firmware and/or software implementation, the
methodologies may be implemented with modules (e.g., procedures,
functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein.
Any machine-readable medium tangibly embodying instructions may be
used in implementing the methodologies described herein. For
example, software codes may be stored in a memory. Memory may be
implemented within the processor or external to the processor. As
used herein the term "memory" refers to any type of long term,
short term, volatile, nonvolatile, or other storage medium and is
not to be limited to any particular type of memory or number of
memories, or type of media upon which memory is stored.
[0110] Moreover, as disclosed herein, the term "storage medium" may
represent one or more memories for storing data, including read
only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core
memory, magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums,
flash memory devices and/or other machine readable mediums for
storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" includes,
but is not limited to portable or fixed storage devices, optical
storage devices, and/or various other storage mediums capable of
storing that contain or carry instruction(s) and/or data.
[0111] While the principles of the disclosure have been described
above in connection with specific apparatuses and methods, it is to
be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of
example and not as limitation on the scope of the disclosure.
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