AU2016202033B2

AU2016202033B2 - Computer implemented technologies configured to enable comfort management using weather data and/or external thermal condition differentials, including automated optimisation of internal comfort level management, based on relationship between controllable elements, and external conditions

Info

Publication number: AU2016202033B2
Application number: AU2016202033A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Garth Lancaster; Christopher Warren; Matthew Wilson
Original assignee: Wise Sustainability Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Wise Sustainability Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-04-01
Filing date: 2016-04-01
Publication date: 2021-01-14
Anticipated expiration: 2036-04-01
Also published as: AU2016202033A1

Abstract

Described herein is technology configured to assist in the context of resource management. For example, such technologies may be of utility in resource conservation, resource planning, cost reductions, and so on. Some embodiments relate to computer software and associated technology infrastructure to enable intelligent control over physical in-room hardware infrastructure, for example controllers that enable interaction with blinds, windows, air conditioners, and the like. (FIG. 1) 1/7 191 . 193 Heatng/Colin Devces Physical Controllers Heating/CoolingDevices (windows, screens, etc) 192 194 Building Management Other Controllable Devices Systems II Controllable Devices 120 100 \- 190 121 Resource Consumption Consumption Meters Monitoring & Management Server (smartmeters, etc) 101 - 105 - 104 -- I r 122 - Resource Consumption External Control Resource Monitors Data Input Modules Modules (unmetered resources) 123 - 102 110 Other Monitors (wasteetc) IData InputM ule Resource Consumption Inputs 103 -, Database(s) Rules Data 130-- External Environmental 131 Data Input Modules Building Systems 132 104 a 111-s External Data Input Modules Internal Environmental Inputs 140 -- 112 * Rules Engine 141 - Sensors Comfort monitoring and optimisation module 142 ____________________ Third Party Weather Daa114 115 --- 116 External Environmental Inputs Guest UI modules Management UI Reporting Modules Modules 150 117 Other External Data Sources (e.g. tracking, schedules, Client Portal(s) bookings, guest data, etc) 161 Processor Processor 162 172 163 Browser data 173 - App data Memory Memory Exemplary Client Exemplary Client Device (browser) Device (app) Further Client Devices 160 170 180-/ FIG. 1

Description

Germany.

ABSTRACT Described herein is technology configured to assist in the context of resource management. For example, such technologies may be of utility in resource conservation, resource planning, cost reductions, and so on. Some embodiments relate to computer software and associated technology infrastructure to enable intelligent control over physical in-room hardware infrastructure, for example controllers that enable interaction with blinds, windows, air conditioners, and the like.

(FIG. 1)

1/7 191 . 193 Heatng/Colin Devces Heating/CoolingDevices Physical Controllers (windows, screens, etc) 192 194 Building Management Other Controllable Devices Systems II

Controllable Devices

100 \- 190 120 121 Resource Consumption Consumption Meters Monitoring & Management Server (smartmeters, etc) 101 - 105 - 104 -- Ir 122 - Resource Consumption External Control Resource Monitors Data Input Modules Modules (unmetered resources) 123 - 102 110 Other Monitors (wasteetc) IData InputM ule

Resource Consumption Inputs 103 -, Database(s) Rules Data 130-- External Environmental 131 Data Input Modules Building Systems 132 104 a 111-s

External Data Input Modules Internal Environmental Inputs 140 -- 112 * Rules Engine 141 - Sensors Comfort monitoring and optimisation module 142 ____________________

Third Party Weather Daa114 115 --- 116

External Environmental Inputs Guest UI modules Management Reporting Modules Modules UI 150 117 Other External Data Sources (e.g. tracking, schedules, Client Portal(s) bookings, guest data, etc)

161 Processor Processor 162 172 163 Browser data 173 - App data Memory Memory Exemplary Client Exemplary Client Device (browser) Device (app) Further Client Devices 160 170 180-/

FIG. 1

COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED TECHNOLOGIES CONFIGURED TO ENABLE COMFORT MANAGEMENT USING WEATHER DATA AND/OR EXTERNAL THERMAL CONDITION DIFFERENTIALS, INCLUDING AUTOMATED OPTIMISATION OF INTERNAL COMFORT LEVEL MANAGEMENT, BASED ON RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CONTROLLABLE ELEMENTS, AND EXTERNAL CONDITIONS FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to computer implemented technologies configured to enable comfort management using weather data and/or external thermal condition differentials. Embodiments of the invention have been particularly developed for assisting in managing resource consumption in the context of heating and/or cooling accommodations. While some embodiments will be described herein with particular reference to that application, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to such a field of use, and is applicable in broader contexts.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] Infrastructure used for heating and/or cooling of accommodations is quite significant in the context of resource consumption, particularly electricity. Various technologies have been developed with a goal of reducing resource utilisation, for example automated deactivation of air conditioning units, utilisation of solar energy, and so on.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0005] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method for managing comfort in an indoor area, the indoor area having a powered cooling and/or heating unit, the method including:

[0006] processing data indicative of external thermal conditions;

[0007] based on the data indicative of external thermal conditions, defining at least one thermal differential comfort plan, wherein the thermal differential comfort plan is representative of a combination of external airflow and powered cooling/heating intended to achieve a defined comfort level on a defined timeframe; and

[0008] providing output indicative of the thermal differential comfort plan.

[0009] A method according to claim 1 wherein the data indicative of external thermal conditions includes current external climate conditions derived from one or more sensors.

[0010] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the one or more sensors include any of: temperature sensors; sunlight sensors; wind sensors; precipitation sensors; and humidity sensors.

[0011] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the data indicative of external thermal conditions includes forecasted data.

[0012] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the forecasted data includes time-specific forecast data for one or more of temperature, sunlight, humidity, and wind.

[0013] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the forecasted data is derived from an external Internet-based weather data source.

[0014] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein a given thermal differential comfort plan is representative of a combination of % external airflow and % powered cooling/heating.

[0015] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein a given thermal differential comfort plan is representative of a specified setting for the powered cooling and/or heating unit.

[0016] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the specified setting is a temperature setpoint.

[0017] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the defined comfort level is set based on input received from a user of the indoor area.

[0018] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method including wherein the thermal differential comfort plan includes an instruction to open one or more external openings and/or operate one or more further thermal control devices for the indoor area at a specified time.

[0019] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein providing output indicative of the thermal differential comfort plan includes providing a signal to a user ofthe indoor area.

[0020] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the signal is provided via a user interface of a networked device.

[0021] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the signal is rendered in a form that conveys directions for implementing the thermal differential comfort plan.

[0022] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein directions for implementing the thermal differential comfort plan include directions to (i) control operation of the cooling and/or hearing unit in a specified manner; and/or (ii) open one or more external openings for the indoor area.

[0023] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein providing output indicative of the thermal differential comfort plan includes providing a signal to one or more networked control devices.

[0024] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the networked control devices include devices configured to enable opening and/or closing of one or more external openings for the indoor area and/or one or more further thermal control devices for the indoor area.

[0025] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the networked control devices include devices configured to enable control of the cooling and/or heating unit.

[0026] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method including processing input data from one or more sensors that monitor the indoor area, thereby to assess whether the performance of an implemented thermal differential comfort plan.

[0027] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method including implementing a feedback mechanism thereby to optimise defining of a future thermal differential comfort plan based on the performance of the implemented thermal differential comfort plan.

[0028] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method for managing comfort in an indoor area, the indoor area having a powered cooling and/or heating unit, the method including:

[0029] receiving and storing:

[0030] (i) time-specific data indicative of internal conditions for the indoor area; and

[0031] (ii) time-specific data indicative of external thermal conditions;

[0032] processing the data thereby to determine one or more a relationships between (i) and (ii);

[0033] accessing data indicative of forecasted external climate conditions; and

[0034] based on a given one of the determined relationships and the data indicative of forecasted external climate conditions, providing an output signal configured to optimise utilisation of the cooling and/or heating unit.

[0035] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the data indicative of external thermal conditions includes current external climate conditions derived from one or more sensors.

[0036] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the one or more sensors include any of: temperature sensors; sunlight sensors, wind sensors; precipitation sensors; and humidity sensors.

[0037] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the data indicative of external thermal conditions includes forecasted data.

[0038] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the forecasted data includes time-specific forecast data for one or more of temperature, sunlight, humidity, precipitation, and wind.

[0039] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the forecasted data is derived from an external Internet-based weather data source.

[0040] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein processing the data thereby to determine one or more a relationships between (i) and (ii) includes: identifying patterns based on correspondences between: operation of the cooling and/or heating unit; effect on the internal conditions; and the external climate conditions.

[0041] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein processing the data thereby to determine one or more a relationships between (i) and (ii) includes: assessing performance of an implemented external climate differential plan.

[0042] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the external climate differential plan is a thermal differential comfort plan.

[0043] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein processing the data thereby to determine one or more a relationships between (i) and (ii) includes: identifying an expected comfort level variation based on operation of the cooling and/or heating unit; identifying an actual comfort level variation; and selectively associating a deviation between the expected comfort level variation and the actual comfort level variation with the external climate conditions.

[0044] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein providing output indicative of the thermal differential comfort plan includes providing a signal to one or more networked control devices.

[0045] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the networked control devices include devices configured to enable opening and/or closing of one or more external openings for the indoor area.

[0046] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the networked control devices include devices configured to enable control of the cooling and/or heating unit.

[0047] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the networked control devices include devices configured to enable control of one or more shade devices.

[0048] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method including processing input data from one or more sensors that monitor the indoor area, thereby to assess whether the performance of an implemented thermal differential comfort plan.

[0049] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method for enabling resource consumption reduction via activity-based persuasion, the method including:

[0050] maintaining a database of resource consumption activities;

[0051] providing, to a networked device associated with an accommodation occupant, an instruction to enable displaying of a suggestion to partake in a predefined activity;

[0052] determining whether the predefined activity was completed; and

[0053] in the case that the predefined activity was completed, providing to the networked device an instruction to enable displaying of data representative of resource consumption reduction associated with the activity.

[0054] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the database of resource consumption activities includes a plurality of activity records, wherein each record is associated with: (i) one or more suggestions; (ii) a monitoring rule; and (iii) an activity completion output.

[0055] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the networked device is a device installed at a known accommodation location, wherein the accommodation location is associated with the accommodation occupant.

[0056] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the networked device is a mobile device associated with the accommodation occupant.

[0057] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the instruction is provided to a predefined software application installed on the mobile device.

[0058] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein providing, to a networked device associated with an accommodation occupant, an instruction to enable displaying of a suggestion to partake in a predefined activity includes: (i) determining that a signal is to be provided; and (ii) based on a suggestion identification protocol, identifying a specific suggestion.

[0059] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the suggestion identification protocol is takes into consideration one or more of: time of day; current external climate conditions; forecasted external climate conditions; historical resource consumption data; historical resource consumption data associated with the accommodation occupant; and resource availability data.

[0060] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein determining whether the predefined activity was completed is based on data inputted at the networked device.

[0061] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein determining whether the predefined activity was completed is based on monitoring data from one or more resource consumption sensors.

[0062] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the one or more resource consumption sensors include any one or more of: electricity sensors; device operation sensors; water consumption sensors; and weight-based resource monitors.

[0063] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method for monitoring resource consumption in a facility having multiple discrete accommodations, the method including:

[0064] receiving input from a plurality of monitoring devices, wherein the devices include:

[0065] (i) one or more conventional resources; and

[0066] (ii) one or more renewable resources;

[0067] maintaining a database that records, for each of the discrete accommodation, data representative of resource consumption for each of the one or more conventional resources and each of the one or more renewable energy resources.

[0068] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the one or more conventional resources include one or more of: electricity, water, and gas.

[0069] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the one or more renewable resources include bio-energy resources .

[0070] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method including providing output data indicative of a report that displays a relationship between consumption a given reneable resource and a functionally corresponding conventional resource.

[0071] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method including providing output data indicative of a report that displays a relationship between consumption a given renewable resource and theoretical functional equivalent consumption functionally corresponding conventional resource.

[0072] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein for a given renewable resource, the monitoring device includes a weight sensor.

[0073] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method for providing demographic profiling data in respect of a facility having multiple discrete accommodations, the method including:

[0074] receiving resource consumption data from a set of resource consumption sensors;

[0075] processing the received resource data thereby to maintain a record of resource consumption for each of the discrete accommodations;

[0076] receiving occupier data for the discrete accommodations, wherein the occupier data includes demographic information for accommodation occupants;

[0077]

[0078] processing the received occupier data, such that the occupier data is able to be temporally associated with the record of resource consumption for each of the discrete accommodations; and

[0079] providing a reporting module that is configured to output report data that associates resource consumption with demographics.

[0080] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the resource consumption data includes one or more of electricity, water and gas.

[0081] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the demographic information includes one or more of: age; marital status; nationality; home location; booking type; and trip purpose.

[0082] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the demographic information includes booking type, and the booking type includes a booking technique utilised.

[0083] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the reporting module is configured to provide one or more reports that include data indicative of resource costs.

[0084] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the reporting module is configured to provide one or more reports that indicate demographics identified as being most resource consumption efficient.

[0085] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the reporting module is configured to provide one or more reports that indicate demographics identified as being least resource consumption efficient.

[0086] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the reporting module accesses data provided by a plurality of facilities.

[0087] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the demographic information includes personalising information.

[0088] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method including enabling a particular individual to obtain access to preferential accommodation pricing based on output from the reporting module based on resource consumption data associated with their personalising information.

[0089] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method for enabling analysis of resource consumption during servicing of a monitored facility, the method including:

[0090] receiving resource consumption data from a set of resource consumption sensors, wherein the resource consumption data is associated with particular sub-regions of the monitored facility;

[0091] processing the received resource data thereby to maintain a record of resource consumption for each of the sub regions;

[0092] receiving data representative of servicing schedule;

[0093] identifying one or more servicing events, wherein each service event is associated with a particular sub region;

[0094] based on the record of resource consumption for each of the sub-regions, associating each identified servicing event with data indicative of resource consumption attributable to that servicing event; and

[0095] providing a reporting module configured to output report data that associates resource consumption with service event data.

[0096] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein each service event is associated with a servicing entity, and wherein the reporting module is configured to output report data that associates resource consumption with servicing entities.

[0097] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the servicing entities includes employees.

[0098] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the service events include cleaning and/or maintenance events.

[0099] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the reporting module configured to output report data that compares monitored resource consumption for one or more service events with benchmark resource consumption for one or more comparable service events.

[00100] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the resource consumption data includes one or more of electricity, water and gas.

[00101] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method for resource consumption management in a facility having multiple discrete accommodations, the method including:

[00102] maintaining access to a database which associates a plurality of occupants which respective discrete accommodations;

[00103] processing data representative of occupant location; and

[00104] providing an output signal that is configured to facilitate resource consumption optimisation based on a given occupant's location relative to that occupant's associated discrete accommodation.

[00105] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the data representative of occupant location is derived from mobile device location monitoring.

[00106] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the data representative of occupant location is derived from a schedule of occupant activities.

[00107] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the output signal is provided to a networked device associated with the occupant, and provides a resource consumption behaviour suggestion.

[00108] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the output signal is defined to control one or more networked devices.

[00109] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the one or more networked devices include, or are configured to control devices that include, one or more of the following: electrical heating and/or cooling devices; accommodation external openings; electrical power supply; electrical devices; water heating; and water supply.

[00110] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the signal is configured to effect an optimised combination of powered heating/cooling and external thermal differential heating/cooling based on a comfort level and a specified time.

[00111] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the specific time is a forecasted return-to-accommodation time for the relevant occupant.

[00112] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method including a step of comparing resource consumption monitoring data with the data representative of occupant location to determine whether predefined conditions are met.

[00113] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein there are multiple occupants associated with a given accommodation, and wherein the method considers location data for the multiple occupants.

[00114] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method for controlling devices in a facility having multiple discrete accommodations, the method including:

[00115] maintaining access to a database which associates a plurality of occupants which respective discrete accommodations;

[00116] processing data representative of occupant location; and

[00117] based on a given occupant's location relative to that occupant's associated discrete accommodation, providing a signal to a networked device at the associated discrete accommodation.

[00118] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the one networked device includes, is are configured to control a device including, one or more of the following: electrical heating and/or cooling devices; accommodation external openings; electrical power supply; electrical devices; water supply; water heating; and media devices.

[00119] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the signal is configured to cause a predefined accommodation experience condition at a specified time.

[00120] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the specific time is a forecasted return-to-accommodation time for the relevant occupant.

[00121] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method for enabling resource consumption planning for a facility having one or more accommodations, the method including:

[00122] maintaining data indicative of renewable resource availability levels for renewable resources used by at least one of the accommodations;

[00123] processing weather forecast data, thereby to estimate future renewable resource collection levels;

[00124] based on monitored user behaviour in resource consumption, forecasting future resource consumption; and

[00125] providing an output signal in the case that forecasted future resource consumption exceeds forecasted availability based on the estimated future renewable resource collection levels.

[00126] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the output signal includes a warning.

[00127] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the output signal causes a networked device associated with an accommodation or occupant to display a message.

[00128] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the message includes a recommendation for resource conservative practices.

[00129] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the output signal provides an instruction to utilise secondary resources.

[00130] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the secondary resources include non-renewable resources.

[00131] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the output signal causes execution of a rule that effects predefined control of one or more networked devices.

[00132] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the one or more networked devices include, or are configured to control devices that include, one or more of the following: electrical heating and/or cooling devices; accommodation external openings; electrical power supply; electrical devices; water heating; and water supply.

[00133] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the monitored user behaviour in resource consumption is derived from one or more resource consumption sensors.

[00134] One embodiment provides a computer implemented method wherein the resource consumption sensors monitor one or more of water, electricity and gas.

[00135] One embodiment provides a computer program product for performing a method as described herein.

[00136] One embodiment provides a non-transitory carrier medium for carrying computer executable code that, when executed on a processor, causes the processor to perform a method as described herein.

[00137] One embodiment provides a system configured for performing a method as described herein.

[00138] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer implemented method for enabling resource consumption planning for a facility having one or more accommodations and one or more users of the accommodations, the method including:

maintaining data indicative of renewable resource availability levels for renewable resources used by at least one of the accommodations;

processing weather forecast data, thereby to estimate future renewable resource collection levels, wherein the renewable resource collection levels include levels of: locally generated electricity; locally collected water; and bio energy resources;

deriving, from data of one or more resource consumption meters, monitored user behaviour in resource consumption data, wherein the one or more resource consumption sensors include any one or more of: electricity sensors; device operation sensors; water consumption sensors; and weight based resource monitors; based on the monitored user behaviour in resource consumption data, forecasting future resource consumption, wherein the monitored user behaviour in resource consumption data is further derived from a plurality of user resource consumption activities, each user resource consumption activity being defined by: (i) a trigger condition including one or more of the following sensed conditions: time of day; occupant activity; internal conditions; external conditions; and activity at a client device; (ii) suggestion data to be rendered via the client device; (iii) completion conditions whereby specific suggestion data is deemed to have been implemented by the user if a specific corresponding completion condition is satisfied; and (iv) feedback data to be rendered via the client device in the case that the completion conditions are satisfied; and providing an output signal to at least one of the one or more users in the case that forecasted future resource consumption exceeds forecasted availability based on the estimated future renewable resource collection levels.

[00139] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment", "some embodiments" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[00140] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

[00141] In the claims below and the description herein, any one of the terms comprising, comprised of or which comprises is an open term that means including at least the elements/features that follow, but not excluding others. Thus, the term comprising, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to the means or elements or steps listed thereafter. For example, the scope of the expression a device comprising A and B should not be limited to devices consisting only of elements A and B. Any one of the terms including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

[00142] As used herein, the term "exemplary" is used in the sense of providing examples, as opposed to indicating quality. That is, an "exemplary embodiment" is an embodiment provided as an example, as opposed to necessarily being an embodiment of exemplary quality.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00143] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[00144] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a framework according to one embodiment.

[00145] FIG. 2Ato FIG. 2E illustrate methods according to various embodiments.

[00146] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary client-server arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00147] Described herein is technology configured to assist in the context of resource management. For example, such technologies may be of utility in resource conservation, resource planning, cost reductions, and so on. Some embodiments relate to computer software and associated technology infrastructure to enable intelligent control over physical in-room hardware infrastructure, for example controllers that enable interaction with blinds, windows, air conditioners, and the like.

OVERVIEW

[00148] Embodiments described herein relate generally to managing resource consumption in a facility. Although some examples are described by reference to particular forms of facility (for example embodiments described by reference to accommodation facilities), it should be appreciated that the technology is applicable to substantially any facility or collection of facilities, including residential, commercial, industrial, and other forms of facility.

[00149] The technology, in broad terms, includes the use of sensors to monitor at least one of: resource consumption; internal conditions; and external conditions (including current and/or forecasted external conditions). Various embodiments make use of multiple of these. Some embodiments utilise monitored data thereby to enable intelligent control of networked devices, including either or both of client devices that provide user interfaces, and networked devices that enable control over infrastructure (for example heating/cooling devices, shades, windows, water heaters, elevators, and so on), and/or the generation of reports (including PDF and/or printable reports). This is preferably utilised thereby to progress beyond the current bounds of "smart metering" technology, for instance by measuring, assessing, learning and establishing a dialogue which enables people to use less resources or be more mindful of resource use.

[00150] Embodiments include technological frameworks, methodologies implemented in such technological frameworks, and associated software and/or hardware configured to facilitate delivery of the methodologies.

EXEMPLARY TECHNOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK

[00151] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary framework. This framework, or variations thereof, is leveraged in various embodiments. Modules and components are described functionally, and it will be appreciated that not all modules and/or components are present in all embodiments (for example where particular functionalities are not required). Furthermore, additional modules and/or components may be added. Modules and/or components shown in FIG. 1A may be combined and/or split between various hardware and/or software components, depending on particular implementations. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that various components (for example intermediate network infrastructure) is not shown for the sake of simplicity. What is shown is a section of components, modules and devices that are relevant to various functionalities described further below.

[00152] The framework of FIG. 1A is centred upon a resource consumption monitoring and management server 100. Server 100 is configured to, in broad terms, provide a hub that enables interaction between various inputs (for example inputs relevant to resource consumption), outputs (for example controllable devices such as air conditioning units, BMS devices, shades, screens, and such), user interface devices (for example PCs, smartphones, televisions, and so on), and intelligent processing. This provides for a range of practical applications, and a variety of those are discussed in detail.

[00153] Server 100 includes resource consumption data input modules 101. These are configured to receive and process data from a set of resource consumption inputs 120. The resource consumption inputs include consumption meters 121, for example networked smart meters, devices configured to monitor meters and provide data to a network, and other devices that are configured to deliver meter data. These may monitor a range of different resources, for example water, gas, electricity, and so on. There may be additional specificity for each given resource, for example meters for both tank water and town water, hot water and cold water, local solar electricity and other electricity, and so on. The resource consumption inputs 129 additionally include resource monitors 122 for unmetered resources (i.e. resources for which there is not a consumption meter in place). An example is firewood, and examples of infrastructure that is optionally used to monitor consumption of that and other such resources is discussed below (and may include the likes of weight-based sensors). There may also be various other monitors 123, for example monitors configured to provide data indicative of waste production and the like. Modules 101 are configured to receive and process data from the set of resource consumption inputs 120, thereby to update records in a database 105. By way of example, this may include associating time-specific consumption data with a particular user and/or location (for example with a particular accommodation in a multi accommodationfacility).

[00154] In some embodiments, database 105 additionally maintains data representing resource consumptive infrastructure in distinct facility spaces (for example lightbulbs, electrical appliances, and so on) thereby to enable analysis and reporting of consumption variations based on replacement and/or upgrading of such infrastructure.

[00155] Internal environmental data input modules 102 are configured to receive and process data from a set of internal environmental inputs 130. Inputs 130 include building systems 131, and various sensors 132. It will be appreciated that a building system 131 may provide a source of data from a plurality of sensors. The sensors may include any of: temperature sensors; light sensors; humidity sensors; and other sensors that are able to provide data representative of internal conditions. Modules 102 process the received data, thereby to store it in database 105. For example, internal environmental conditions are associated with particular locations, such as individual accommodations, or individual locations within accommodations.

[00156] External environmental data input modules 104 are configured to receive and process data from a set of internal environmental inputs 130. Inputs 140 include sensors 141, may include any of: temperature sensors; sunlight sensors; wind sensors; precipitation sensors; and humidity sensors (and other forms of sensor configured to provide input representative of external conditions). In some embodiments this includes monitoring of air and/or water quality - while these may not be directly related to 'climate guided consumption' they could are linked to living quality. These sensors may be positioned at various locations relative to a facility, and in some cases include sensors provided by a local weather station. Inputs 140 additionally include other sources of external conditions data, for example third party weather data 142. This may include moth current and forecasted weather data. Modules 103 process the received data, thereby to store it in database 105. For example, internal environmental conditions are associated with particular locations, such as individual accommodations, or individual locations within accommodations. In some cases modules 103 are configured to transform third party weather data based on a set of rules (for example applying a predetermined temperature adjustment based on a known systematic discrepancy between reported conditions for a broad region and actual observations at a specific facility).

[00157] Other forms of external data may also be utilised by server 100. External data input modules 104 include, in various embodiments, a range of inputs configured to receive data from a range of sources 150. These may include, by way of example:

* Data from tracking systems, for example to provide location of persons and/or electronic devices associated with persons.

• Schedule data, for example from third party software that provides a calendar functionality into which various events and/or activities are entered.

• Bookings data, for example from a third party booking management software platform. For example, this may provide personal information for guests staying in particular accommodations at particular times.

[00158] Various other forms of data may also be used, depending on input requirements for a given functionality, and data availability.

[00159] By way of operation of input modules 101 to 104, database 105 provides a repository of knowledge that is available for use thereby to provide a wide range of functionalities. In the illustrated embodiment this is achieved, at least in part, by way of rules data 110, which includes a plurality of executable rules. These rules are configured to be executed via a rules engine 111. Rules may be defined based on a range of protocols. For example, rules may include aspects which relate to any one or more of the following:

• Monitoring for predefined data conditions.

• Monitoring for predefined events.

• Receiving external input (for example from a user interface).

• Triggering predefined events.

• Providing control signals.

• Sending messages/notifications that are displayable via a specified one or more client devices.

• Generation of additional data entries.

• Generation and/or delivery of reports.

• Interaction via an API with third party software.

[00160] Various specific examples of significant rules-based functionalities are discussed in detail further below.

[00161] By way of example, FIG. 1A illustrates a comfort monitoring and optimisation module 112, which may in some embodiments be defined by one or more rules in rules data 110. Module 112 is configured forprocessing data derived from internal and external environmental input, and based on that processing taking predefined actions. For example, these actions may relate to the likes of:

* Providing recommendations via user interface devices (for example via client portals 117), these recommendations relating to manual steps that may be taken to achieve particular objectives. For example, in some embodiments the objectives relate to environmentally conscious behaviours (for example behaviours that result in reduced/optimised resource consumption). In this regard, recommendations are in some cases provided as activity suggestions.

• Providing control signals to controllable networked devices 190, for example to automate steps that are intended to achieve particular objectives. Again, in some embodiments the objectives relate to environmentally conscious behaviours (for example behaviours that result in reduced/optimised resource consumption). By way of example, this may include controlling facility equipment such as heating/cooling units, shade devices, fans, windows and other openings, lighting, and so on.

[00162] In broad terms, module 112 is configured to access data representative of a comfort setpoint, which defines internal comfort conditions (for instance temperature), which is in some embodiments set by an occupant (for example via a user interface provided on a device operated by the occupant). Module 112 then defines optimised modes for achieving conditions associated with the comfort level, for example at specific future times. This in some embodiments includes processing data representative of current and/or forecasted future external environmental conditions. This enables, for instance, reductions in power consumption in heating and/or cooling by making use of external thermal conditions, sunlight effects, wind, and so on. One approach, discussed in detail further below, is to define one or more thermal differential comfort plans, which make use of forecasted external thermal conditions to enable achieving of desired internal comfort settings on a desired timeframe (and are in some embodiments seasonably variable). These may include opening windows/vents (either via controllers or via suggestion for manual interaction) at specified times. For example, based on forecast data, module 114 might determine at 12PM that, for an objective of reaching an internal temperature of X degrees at 6PM in a given accommodation, it would be resource-optimal to switch off powered heating/cooling at a time X, and/or open windows at a time Y, thereby to make use of the forecasted internal/external thermal differential.

[00163] The embodiment of FIG. 1A is configured for use in a setting where there is a facility having multiple occupants, and is described by reference to an accommodation facility having multiple discrete accommodations. In such a situation, user interfaces are provided both to guests, via guest UI modules 114 and to management (and/or employees and the like) via management UI modules 115. Modules 114 and 115 provide ability for server 100 to interact with user interfaces devices via client portal (s) 117.

[00164] The client devices may include browser-based devices, such as device 160. Such devices execute a web browser application, which is defined by browser data 162 in memory 163 and executed on a processor 161. HTML and/or other code is downloaded from a server and rendered in the browser application thereby to provide user interface components. The client devices may also include app-based devices, such as device 170. Such devices execute a proprietary software application (for example, in the case of a mobile device, an iOS or Android app), which is defined by app data 172 in memory 173 and executed on a processor 171. Those familiar with the art will appreciate that both browser and app-based approaches have functional similarities, but each provide respective practical advantages which may be relevant in particular implementation situations. The client devices may include any of smartphones, PCs, tablets, notebooks, televisions (and other display screens), and substantially any other device (or set of collection of connected device) configured to render a graphical user interface.

[00165] Server 116 also provides reporting modules 116. These are configured to provide reports (i.e. organised data outputs) based on queries of database 105 (and optionally other processing). These reports may be rendered via client devices, and in some embodiments are provided in paper form. In some embodiments provide data collection and reporting methodologies which are available due to data collection and processing aspects of server 100 and its connected infrastructure. Specific examples are outlined further below.

[00166] External control modules 104 enable server 104 to provide control signals (and/or monitor operation of) a set of networked control devices 190. These may include any one or more of:

• Heating and/or cooling devices, such as HVAC equipment and discrete reverse cycle air conditioning units. In some cases these are inherently controllable via network communications, and in other cases are connected to networked control devices for the purpose of providing such connectivity.

• Building management systems 192. These inherently provide control and monitoring functionality for a wide range of building devices (for example HVAC, access control, elevators and so on), and server 100 may leverage organisational and control structures provided by a BMS thereby to gain access to individual end devices.

• Physical controllers 193. These are networked controllers configured to be connected to various electrical devices that are not otherwise able to be controlled via a network. Examples include windows (which are able to be opened via mechanical actuators), screens, water heaters, solar generators, and so on.

• Other controllable devices 194.

[00167] It will be appreciated that in some cases communication is unidirectional from server 100 to a given controllable device 190, and in other cases communication is bidirectional. In some embodiments modules 104 are configured to record in database 105 operational data for one or more of controllable devices 190, for example to enable rules to be defined which make use of present and/or historical operational data.

[00168] Various examples of functionalities provided via server 100, or variations thereof, are provided below.

COMFORT MANAGEMENT USING WEATHER DATA AND/OR EXTERNAL THERMAL CONDITION DIFFERENTIALS

[00169] Some embodiments provide a computer implemented method for managing comfort in an indoor area, the indoor area having a powered cooling and/or heating unit. These are able to be implemented by server 100. FIG. 2A illustrates a method 200 according to one embodiment, which shows key functionalities common to a range of embodiments.

[00170] Functional block 201 represents a process including processing data indicative of external thermal conditions. For example, this includes data collected from one or more sensors (for example one or more of: temperature, wind, humidity, precipitation, and sunlight) and/or one or more external third party weather information sources. The data may include either or both of current and forecasted thermal conditions data.

[00171] Functional block 202 represents a process including, based on the data indicative of external thermal conditions, defining at least one thermal differential comfort plan. The thermal differential comfort plan is representative of a combination of external airflow and powered cooling/heating (including in some cases a combination of 100% external airflow and 0% powered cooling/heating) intended to achieve a defined comfort level on a defined timeframe. In some embodiments, a user defines a comfort setpoint, either by direct input (for example inputting comfort characteristics, in some embodiments via a user interface device), or indirectly by way of observed behaviour (for example a temperature setting they apply to an air conditioning unit, either one a one-off or consistent basis), and the defining of a thermal differential plan includes executing one or more algorithms that identify opportunities to use an indoor-to-outdoor thermal differential to achieve that setpoint with reduced (or no) use of powered heating/cooling. For example, the forecast data may indicate a drop in external temperature at a given time, and that following such a drop in temperature the comfort setpoint can be reached by opening one or more windows (or the like) rather than using powered cooling. In some embodiments the thermal differential plan includes the utilisation of powered airflow devices, such as ceiling fans and the like, or the use of bio-energy heating (such as a word fireplace).

[00172] In some embodiments the algorithms used to define thermal differential comfort plans are common for accommodation in a facility. In other embodiments optimised from accommodation-to-accommodation based on a learning algorithm which monitors temperature variations based on thermal differential effects across a range of external thermal conditions, thereby to optimise efficiency (and accuracy) of defined plans. For example, this allows the algorithms to account for effects of different wind conditions (or sunlight, humidity, precipitation, and so on) on internal thermal differential effects for different accommodations, and optimise operation accordingly. For example, sets of forecasted weather conditions are able to be associated with particular rates of internal thermal change with open windows for each individual accommodation (or, in other embodiments, individual spaces in a facility).

[00173] Functional block 203 represents a process including providing output indicative of the thermal differential comfort plan. There are two main categories of output: output that encourages manual implementation of the thermal differential comfort plan (see FIG. 2B); and output that causes automated implementation of the thermal differential comfort plan see FIG. 2C).

[00174] Referring to FIG. 2B, method 210 includes a trigger event at 211 causes defining of a thermal differential comfort plan (or identification of a predefined thermal differential comfort plan) at 212. For example, the trigger event may be time-based, based upon activity of an occupant (for example interaction with a powered heating/cooling device), based upon new forecast data, and so on. At 213, output delivered to a client user interface device, which configures the client device to display data representative of the thermal differential comfort plan. For instance, this data may take the form of instructions, suggestions, recommendations, and so on. In one example, the data provides "tips" for environmentally conscious behaviour, for example a message stating "if you turn off the air conditioning and open the windows, your room will reach your preferred comfort level at about 6PM tonight". This is preferably combined with data representing environmental effects (for example reduction in carbon footprint, etc.) either in combination with the tip, or subsequently if the occupant follows the suggestion provided by the tip (based on optional monitoring at 214, which may include monitoring of operation of a powered heating/cooling unit).

[00175] Referring to FIG. 2C, method 220 also includes a trigger event at 221 and determination/identification of a thermal differential comfort plan at 221 and 222. At 223, output delivered to one or more controllable devices, thereby to automatically directly implement the thermal differential comfort plan. For example, control instructions may be delivered to powered heating/cooling units, controllers that open/close windows (or vents and other external openings), airflow devices (such as ceiling fans) and other devices required for implementation of the thermal differential comfort plan. In some embodiments, as represented by functional block 224, the server is configured to monitor internal conditions during implementation of the thermal differential comfort plan. In the event that monitored internal conditions vary with respect to predicted conditions, an algorithm is configured to cause defining and provision of additional control signals to increase the likelihood that the thermal comfort differential plan will achieve the desired comfort setpoint. For example, this may include initiating or increasing operation of powered heating/cooling in the case that monitored effects of thermal differential are below anticipated levels.

[00176] Embodiments such as those described above are especially relevant in the context of so called "eco-resorts" and other accommodations that have a focus (or attract a clientele with an interest in) environmentally sustainable behaviour. This is particularly true in the case of approaches that provide suggestions for manual intervention; suggestions are able to be drafted in such a manner as to cause occupants to feel "involved" in environmentally sound behaviours, whilst still enjoying desired comforts, and may feel "closer to nature" by using thermal differentials as an alternative to technology for heating/cooling.

OPTIMISATION OF INTERNAL COMFORT LEVEL MANAGEMENT, BASED ON RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CONTROLLABLE ELEMENTS, AND EXTERNAL CONDITIONS

[00177] Some embodiments provide computer implemented methods for managing comfort in an indoor area having a powered cooling and/or heating unit. Similarly to the preceding section, these methods utilise external conditions data (current and forecasted), however these are more broadly applicable beyond using thermal differentials and airflow. For example, they are able to be applied in high-rise buildings and the like where windows are not able to be opened. The general principle is to assess the effect of external thermal conditions (for example sunlight) on internal conditions on a space-by-space basis, and use that to optimise operation of heating/cooling infrastructure based on forecasted external thermal conditions.

[00178] An example is illustrated in method 230 of FIG. 2D. Functional blocks 231, 232 and 233 represent preliminary data collection:

Heating/cooling data operation data (functional block 231). The precise nature of this data varies between implementations, and for example may be collected directly from individual units, or from a BMS that manages a collection of HVAC infrastructure. The data may be defined by operational settings (for example power settings) or control settings (for example defined temperature/comfort setpoints). The data is normalised and stored for analysis on a space-by-space categorised basis. At a functional level, this enables processing algorithms access to data representing how heating/cooling infrastructure was operating at given times. In some embodiments operational data for other relevant infrastructure is also collected, for example status of doors, windows, fans, shades, and other infrastructure that may have an effect on internal thermal conditions.

* Internal conditions data (functional block 232), which include time-specific data indicative of internal conditions for each indoor area. This may be collected from sensors, or from a BMS that inherently provides access to data from such sensors. At a functional level, this enables processing algorithms access to data representing status and fluctuations in internal conditions at given times.

• External conditions data (functional block 232), which includes time-specific data indicative of external thermal conditions. This is preferably organised by reference to aspects, and/or otherwise associated with indoor spaces. The data may be collected from sensors, for example these may include any of: temperature sensors; sunlight sensors, wind sensors; precipitation sensors; and humidity sensors. At a functional level, this enables processing algorithms access to data representing status and fluctuations in external conditions at given times.

[00179] Functional block 234 represents a process including processing the input data thereby to determine one or more a relationships between internal and external conditions. By way of example, algorithms may be configured to perform any one or more of the following:

• Identification of patterns based on correspondences between operation of the cooling and/or heating unit effect on the internal conditions; and the external climate conditions.

• Identification of deviations in internal thermal variations between indoor spaces which are not attributable to different heating/cooling infrastructure operation (for example these may be due to sunlight effects or the like).

• Determination of rates of change based on different subsidiary equipment settings for constant heating/cooling infrastructure settings.

• Identification of rates of changes in thermal conditions that deviate from a baseline rate of change.

[00180] It will be appreciated that these are examples only, and various other data analysis techniques may be used. The general principle is to collect and collate knowledge about how internal thermal conditions in each space are affected by combinations of (i) operation of heating/cooling infrastructure; (ii) states of other equipment (e.g. windows, blinds, etc.); and (iii) external conditions. This enables automated optimisation of operation of heating/cooling infrastructure (and in some cases the other equipment) based on forecasted external conditions.

[00181] Functional block 235 represents a process including updating control parameters based on relationships determined at 234, these being control parameters used by functions that execute to control heating/cooling infrastructure based on forecasted external conditions. For example, this may include defining updated weightings for pre-existing algorithms, defining new rules, and so on. This in essence provides an ongoing feedback loop, whereby performance of algorithms to achieve desired comfort setpoints on a low-energy basis are continually optimised based on observation of internal condition variations under known conditions. In some embodiments setpoints are user-defined, for example by way of a user interacting with a user interface (for instance the user provides an input indicating that a satisfactory comfort level is being experienced, and the system records a setpoint accordingly).

[00182] Functional block 235 represents a process including processing forecast data representative of future external conditions (for example data obtained from a weather service). This is utilised at 237 thereby to control heating/ cooling infrastructure using the control parameters.

[00183] By this approach, server 100 is configurable to autonomously optimise energy efficiency for individual spaces in a facility using forecast data for external conditions.

COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED TECHNOLOGY CONFIGURED TO ENABLE RESOURCE CONSUMPTION REDUCTION VIA ACTIVITY-BASED PERSUASION

[00184] Some embodiments provide computer implemented methods for enabling resource consumption reduction via activity-based persuasion. An example is provided by method 240 of FIG. 2E.

[00185] Functional block 241 represents a process including maintaining a database of resource consumption activities. In one embodiment, each resource consumption activity is defined by: (i) a trigger condition; (ii) suggestion data to be rendered via a client device; (iii) completion conditions; and (iv) feedback data to be rendered via a client device in the case that the completion conditions are satisfied.

[00186] Suggestions are user-defined, and optionally updated over time (for example based on observed adoption rates). Preferably, the suggestions are defined such that they are phrased to appeal to occupant interests, for example in terms of engaging in environmentally conscious behaviour. They are defined as "suggestions" as opposed to "instructions"; rather than being prescriptive and requesting that users engage in resource consumption, they provide suggestions that encourage particular behaviours that lead to a more "natural" experience without necessarily detracting from overall indulgence or comfort at a subjective level. Examples include:

• A suggestion to implement a thermal differential comfort plan (as discussed above). For example "there's a storm coming: did you know that by switching off the air conditioner and opening the windows, your room will be lovely and cool this evening, but with a wonderful natural aroma?".

• A suggestion to conserve water. For example "instead of showering, why not try sharing a bath this evening?".

• A suggestion for one or more daily recreational activities based on forecasted weather conditions (for example low/no carbon footprint activities).

[00187] Functional block 242 represents identifying a trigger event. A trigger event may be related to one or more of: time of day; observed (or known) occupant activity; sensed internal conditions; sensed external conditions; forecasted external conditions, activity at a client device via which suggestions are displayed, emergency events (for example bushfires, avalanches and the like, as geographically appropriate, which are in some cases reported by an independent Internet-available source), and others. A trigger event initiates, at 243, a determination to determine a suggestion that is to be displayed (in some embodiments multiple potential suggestions are associated with a common triggered event, and a selection algorithm is used), and the provision of a signal to cause display of the suggestion at a client device associated with the relevant occupancy at 244. The signal includes an instruction to enable displaying of a suggestion to partake in a predefined activity. The nature of the signal depends on characterises of the client device and client device software. For example, in the case that an occupant operates a smartphone on which an accommodation's proprietary app is installed, the signal may cause an application notification, and further cause the configuration of the app to display the suggestion when launched. In the case of a display screen (e.g. a television), the signal may cause immediate (and in some cases temporarily persistent) display of the suggestion (for example as a massage displayed at an upper or lower edge of the screen).

[00188] Functional bock 245 represents a process including monitoring resource consumption for the accommodation to which the signal was provided, thereby to enable a determination of whether the predefined activity was completed (for example based on a monitoring rule). In other embodiments the determination is based on input from the occupant which confirms (explicitly or implicitly) whether the suggestion was followed. In the case that the predefined activity was completed, functional block 246 represents a process including providing to the networked device an instruction to enable displaying of data representative of resource consumption reduction associated with the activity. For example "did you know that by opening the windows, you decreased your carbon footprint by X amount?". In preferred embodiments, the feedback is provided only where the suggestion is followed, such that the system provided positive reinforcement only.

[00189] In some embodiments occupants are provided with data representing their resource consumption behaviours usage as compared with de-personalised (or otherwise statistically averaged) consumption data for other occupants. This is intended to provide an element of competition and/or gamization, as added encouragement to occupants that are susceptible driven by such forms of encouragement. For example, certain occupants may be driven to modify their behaviours is they believe that they can progress from, for instance, a top 20% of most environmentally aware guests to a top 10% of most environmentally aware guests. The comparison may be against any one or more of: other guests currently and/or formerly in the same facility; other guests currently and/or formerly in the same particular accommodation; other guests having similar demographic profiles; other guests in specific social networks; defined "friends", administrator-defined baseline values; (any others) and so on.

Integration of Resource Consumption Management with Human Activity Monitoring

[00190] Some embodiments provide computer implemented methods for resource consumption management based on human activity monitoring. In overview, automated or manual actions are taken thereby to manage resource consumption based upon knowledge of activity (for example location) of an occupant. The general crux is to maintain awareness of times at which an occupant is expected/known to be away from an accommodation, and/or a time at which an occupant is expected to return, and manage resource consumption accordingly. For example, powered heating/cooling is automatically deactivated and/or activated thereby to efficiently achieve desired comfort levels on required timeframes based on expected return times.

[00191] One exemplary method includes, in a facility having multiple discrete accommodations, maintaining access to a database which associates a plurality of occupants which respective discrete accommodations. Data representative of occupant location is processed, and an output signal provided, that signal being that is configured to facilitate resource consumption optimisation based on a given occupant's location relative to that occupant's associated discrete accommodation.

[00192] The representative of occupant location is, in some embodiments, derived from mobile device location monitoring. For example, occupants carry mobile devices that execute software applications which enable remote device location monitoring. Such mobile device software may provide other functionalities in addition, such as unlocking of doors, scheduling, and so on, thereby to make it more enticing for occupants to install the application.

[00193] In some embodiments the data representative of occupant location is derived from a schedule of occupant activities. For example, occupants register to participate in various activities, and their registration enables collection of data relating to their expected whereabouts at given times.

[00194] The output signal is provided to a networked device associated with the occupant, and provides a resource consumption behaviour suggestion, for example as discussed above. For example "be sure to close your windows before going kayaking; there are strong hot winds forecasted for this afternoon" or "it will be a cool evening; perhaps turn off the air conditioner and open the windows whilst out for dinner".

[00195] The output signal is in some cases defined to control one or more networked devices. For example, this may (as discussed further above) control powered heating/cooling and/or other devices

COMBINED MONITORING AND REPORTING OF RENEWABLE AND NON RENEWABLE RESOURCES

[00196] A key aspect of various embodiments is combined monitoring of both conventional resources (including off-site supplied energy, which may be green energy and/or gas, and hot/cold water monitoring) and renewable resources. As used herein, the term "renewable resources" refers to locally renewable resources including: locally generated electricity (for example solar), locally collected water (for example rainwater), bio-energy resources (for example firewood). This assists property managers compare consumption by resource type and by time of day, thereby to enable optimisation of load management. The system offers interoperability so that different software and hardware can work together, which enables leverage of existing infrastructure such that a building manager-owner does not need to start from scratch. This assists in providing a multi functional system that can monitor and combine data from many energy meters at one location (noting that some hotels will have meters by floor, by equipment; a property owner would want to combine multiple sets of property data into one system.

[00197] One embodiment includes, based on analysis of database records representing renewable and non-renewable resource consumption, providing output data indicative of a report that displays a relationship between consumption a given renewable resource and a functionally corresponding conventional resource. For example, this is optionally implemented in respect of bio-energy based energy production (for example heating of a space and/or water via firewood) thereby to provide a comparison with a theoretical functional equivalent consumption functionally corresponding conventional resource. Such reporting is in some cases used as an educational tool for occupants, and/or to assist property managers measure and plan for retrofitting new energy or water efficient equipment.

WEIGHT SENSORS

[00198] It will be appreciated that there are inherent challenges in monitoring consumption of various forms of renewable resources (for example bio-energy resources), given that conventional metering technology is not appropriate.

[00199] The technology described herein provides a solution that uses weight sensors (including pressure sensors) thereby to monitor consumption of a range of resources based on reduction in mass. In particular, networked weight sensing components are monitored, and the input data processed using algorithms thereby to determine resource consumption based on variations in weight. The same components and algorithms re also in some cases applied for the purpose of metering waste output based on weight.

[00200] In a preferred embodiment, weight sensors are configured to monitor weight carried by surfaces and/or vessels. For example, this may include a bench on which firewood is loaded, a water storage unit (for rainwater, hot water and/or cold water), a trash receptacle, and so on. Input data representative of weight is provided to the server, which applies an algorithm thereby to derive, form the input data, a record of consumption/production. The algorithms are in some cases specific to particular implementations (for example a "firewood" algorithm and a "waste" algorithm), and preferably are configured to apply data filters thereby to account for anticipated behaviours, for instance the removal and subsequent replacement of a firewood log, removal of trash from a waste receptacle (for example to be recycled) and so on.

DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILING BASED ON RESOURCE CONSUMPTION ANALYSIS

[00201] One embodiment provides computer implemented methods for facilitating demographic profiling data in respect of a facility, for example a facility having multiple discrete accommodations. For example, this may include paid accommodations (such as hotels, motels, condominiums, holiday homes, and eco resorts), commercial facilities having leasable business spaces, residential properties, and so on. The term "facility" should be read broadly enough to cover a plurality of distinct buildings (for example a "facility" may include a plurality of properties with common management for the purpose of rentals/leasing).

[00202] The method includes receiving resource consumption data from a set of resource consumption sensors, being sensors associated with the individual accommodations. As with embodiments described above, the sensors may include water, electricity, gas, firewood, and other renewable and/or non-renewable resources that are consumed by occupants. The received resource data is processed thereby to maintain a record of resource consumption for each of the discrete accommodations.

[00203] Occupier data is also received for the discrete accommodations, this occupier data including demographic information for accommodation occupants. For example, in one embodiment the occupier data is collected during a booking process (for example via an accommodation booking website) and/or during an occupant registration process. The demographic data may include one or more of the following: age; marital status; nationality; home location; booking type; trip purpose, a booking type, a booking technique utilised, duration of stay, loyalty program membership, room types, reward levels, and so on.

[00204] The received occupier data, is processed, such that the occupier data is able to be temporally (i.e. in a time specific manner) associated with the record of resource consumption for each of the discrete accommodations. For instance, a straightforward approach is to define an arrival time and departure time for a given occupier, and associate all resource consumption between those times in the relevant accommodation with that occupier. Other embodiments exclude certain predefined consumption instances, for example consumption that is otherwise associable with accommodation servicing.

[00205] A reporting module is configured to output report data that associates resource consumption with demographics. This may include the provision of various pre-defined report types, user-configured report types, and responses to user-generated queries. Example reports include:

• A report configured to show demographic characteristics associated with highest daily resource consumption (for one or more resources).

• A report configured to show demographic characteristics associated with lowest daily resource consumption (for one or more resources).

• A report configured to show a relationship between value of business for particular demographic sectors compared with cost of consumed resources.

• Reports which compare season, climate, room temperature and guest demographics compared with energy and water use.

• Reports configured by room/apartment/unit and demographic

• Reports that combine to provide year on year consumption and climate characteristics

[00206] It will be appreciated that the reports are preferably in some embodiments configured to account for factors such as season, weather, and so on. For example, rather than reporting on absolute quantities, the reports may be representative of deviation from seasonal (or other) averaged consumption values (in some embodiments reports combine to provide year on year consumption and climate characteristics).

[00207] In some embodiments the reporting module is configured to provide one or more reports that include data indicative of resource costs. This assists in understanding the business case associated with seeking to attract clients of a particular demographic versus another based on resource costs associated with their expected activity. For example, one report may show the average daily resource consumption associated with overnight visitors versus multi-night visitors, thereby to assist in appropriately setting fee structures.

[00208] In some embodiments a report includes forecast modelling: for instance generating a forecast that shows an anticipated cost saving if patronage by Demographic A were reduced by X% and patronage by Demographic B increased by Y%. This may further include optimisation advice, for example defining of optimal demographic splits and forecasted resulting resource costs over time.

[00209] Data such as that described in this section is of significant potential value to a business, particularly in the hotel industry.

REWARD SYSTEMS AND PERSUASIVE TECHNOLOGY

[00210] In some embodiments, resource consumption monitoring may be applied as a control parameter for reward systems or other form of persuasive technology. For instance, this may be implemented in conjunction (or as an alternative to) approaches disclosed in the preceding section.

[00211] In overview, a preferred approach is to provide a reward to customers based on their resource consumption behaviour. This reward may come in the form of reward points (for example frequent flyer program points), discounts for goods/services (for example defined to additionally encourage repeat/ongoing business), invitations to special events, and so on. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with various forms of reward system.

[00212] The rewarding structure is in some embodiments based upon one or more of the following:

• Resource consumption compared with baseline values (which may be defined seasonally, or otherwise normalised for corresponding objective conditions). For example, a customer is rewarded for using less resources than a defined average/expectedvalue.

• Participation in predefined resource aware activities (for example based on suggestions, as described further above).

• Consistent resource-friendly behaviour across multiple visits to participating accommodations.

[00213] It will be appreciated that these are examples only. Other functionalities provided by the system in various embodiments more generally in the context of persuasive technology include:

• Targeting of consumption periods where occupants are encouraged to consume during of peak or specially negotiated load periods.

• Resource saving incentive linked to philanthropy.

• Persuasive communication which conveys forecast weather to persuade occupants to modify their consumption and prepare for climatic changes.

• Persuasive notifications to occupants which are triggered by the system and which provide advice/recommendations on behaviour change to use less resources.

• Comparison of baseline/previous consumption data (for example energy/water) with new consumption data, determination of differences, and based on those differences determination of a reward value (which may be a value which is inherently donated to predefined charities, or causes, or projects).

Offering of performance rewards/targets based on comparison of a given user's consumption performance to one or more further users (or values defined based on resource consumption performance of one or more further users).

[00214] Preferably, resource consumption data is secure, so that occupants only receive information about their performance in the case that it is related to a target, suggestion, task, goal, or other system functionality which necessitates the provision of such data to the occupant.

[00215] By integrating resource monitoring with reward systems, it is possible to more effectively encourage resource-aware behaviours, and monitor the effectiveness of such encouragement. Furthermore, through reporting, financial values are able to be associated with observed reduction in resource consumption.

ANALYSIS OF RESOURCE CONSUMPTION DURING CLEANING AND/OR MAINTENANCE OF A MONITORED FACILITY

[00216] Some embodiments include methods for enabling analysis of resource consumption during servicing of a monitored facility. These are similar to methods described above which involve association of resource consumption with occupants. However, there is a key difference in that a servicing schedule (i.e. any data representative of service event times) is used to associate particular resource consumption with service events, and then with particular servicing personnel

[00217] One embodiment includes receiving resource consumption data from a set of resource consumption sensors, wherein the resource consumption data is associated with particular sub-regions of the monitored facility. The received resource data is processed thereby to maintain a record of resource consumption for each of the sub regions. Data representative of servicing schedule is received. This may include a pre-defined schedule (for example a schedule that shows in advance which regions are to be serviced at what times) or a reactive schedule (for example a schedule that records based on ongoing input which regions are in fact serviced at what times).

[00218] The method also includes identifying one or more servicing events, wherein each service event is associated with a particular sub region. Each service event is associated with a servicing entity, for example the servicing entities include employees. The service events in some embodiments include cleaning and/or maintenance events.

[00219] Based on the record of resource consumption for each of the sub-regions, associating each identified servicing event with data indicative of resource consumption attributable to that servicing event. A reporting module is configured to output report data that associates resource consumption with service event data. For example, the reporting module is configured to output report data that associates resource consumption with servicing entities. This assists in monitoring and managing staff performance by reference to resources they consume during servicing events (the reporting module is in some cases configured to output report data that compares monitored resource consumption for one or more service events with benchmark resource consumption for one or more comparable service events). In some embodiments servicing employee monitoring operates in conjunction with an employee rewards program.

[00220] In some embodiments servicing employee monitoring is implemented in conjunction with a servicing employee user interface that is rendered via a client device (for example a mobile device carried by each servicing employee). This user interface may additionally be configured to provide suggestions (for example similar to those discussed further above) on most effective way to keep room comfortable (for example based on forecasted external conditions). For instance, an instruction may be provided to close blinds in a particular room because they are west facing and a sunny day is expected. The interface may also be used to enable collection of additional resource consumption data regarding occupants based on input by servicing employees (for example towel reuse/replacement, usage of personal care products, waste generation, and so on). This additional data is preferably utilised for resource consumption monitoring functionalities, for example ad discussed further above.

RESOURCE CONSUMPTION PLANNING BASED ON RENEWABLE RESOURCE COLLECTION FORECAST DATA

[00221] Some embodiments provide computer implemented methods for enabling resource consumption planning for a facility having one or more accommodations. This again uses sensors and processing associated with sever 100 (or a variation thereof).

[00222] The methodologies include maintaining data indicative of renewable resource availability levels for renewable resources used by at least one of the accommodations, and processing weather forecast data (including the likes of third party forecasts such as Bureau of Meteorology Australia and Wind Atlas, seasonal averages, and so on), weather history (for example to enable estimations in relation to local renewable energy and water collection), thereby to estimate future renewable resource collection levels. Based on monitored user behaviour in resource consumption, forecast data is determined for future resource consumption. In in the case that forecasted future resource consumption exceeds forecasted availability based on the estimated future renewable resource collection levels, and output signal is provided (for example a warning or the like).

[00223] In some embodiments the output signal causes a networked device associated with an accommodation or occupant to display a message, for example: a recommendation for resource conservative practices.

[00224] In some embodiments the output signal provides an instruction to utilise secondary resources (for example non-renewable resources). This may be via a suggestion for manual intervention, or via a an output signal that causes execution of a rule that effects predefined control of one or more networked devices which control utilisation of renewable versus non-renewable resources (for example tank water versus town water). The one or more networked devices in some embodiments include, or are configured to control devices that include, one or more of the following: electrical heating and/or cooling devices; accommodation external openings; electrical power supply; electrical devices; water heating; and water supply.

PERIODIC OCCUPANT REPORT PROVISION BASED ON FORECAST DATA

[00225] Some embodiments provide computer implemented methods for enabling the generation of periodic reports for delivery to occupants based on forecast data. For example, such reports may be provided to guests on a daily basis, either in paper or electronic form. The reports preferably include:

• A daily weather forecast (for example including afternoon, evening and night).

• Advice on achieving comfort in an accommodation throughout the day (for example during the afternoon, evening and night). This preferably includes advice regarding window opening/closing, utilisation of fans, shades, and the like, operation of air conditioning and/or fires, and other aspects of advice relevant to a given accommodation based upon the forecasted external weather conditions.

Activity suggestions (again for example during each of the afternoon, evening and night) based on the forecasted external weather conditions.

[00226] Other forms of data, for example tips/suggestions for resource aware and/or environmentally conscious behaviours, news, and the like may also be provided.

[00227] Such reporting provides a straightforward approach to encouraging resource conservation by occupants via a daily message, without being necessarily prescriptive in terms of user behaviour. Rather, a daily leaflet (for example) may be structured to provide helpful advice and suggestions based on the day's expected weather, those suggestions being defined in such a manner as to subtly encourage conservative resource consumption.

EXEMPLARY CLIENT-SERVER FRAMEWORK

[00228] In some embodiments, methods and functionalities considered herein are implemented by way of a server, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In overview, a web server 302 provides a web interface 303. This web interface is accessed by the parties by way of client terminals 304. In overview, users access interface 303 over the Internet by way of respective client terminals 304, which in various embodiments include the likes of personal computers, PDAs, cellular telephones, gaming consoles, and other Internet enabled devices.

[00229] Server 303 includes a processor 305 coupled to a memory module 306 and a communications interface 307, such as an Internet connection, modem, Ethernet port, wireless network card, serial port, or the like. In other embodiments distributed resources are used. For example, in one embodiment server 302 includes a plurality of distributed servers having respective storage, processing and communications resources. Memory module 306 includes software instructions 308, which are executable on processor 305.

[00230] Server 302 is coupled to a database 310. In further embodiments the database leverages memory module 306.

[00231] In some embodiments web interface 303 includes a website. The term "website" should be read broadly to cover substantially any source of information accessible over the Internet or another communications network (such as WAN, LAN or WLAN) via a browser application running on a client terminal. In some embodiments, a website is a source of information made available by a server and accessible over the Internet by a web-browser application running on a client terminal. The web-browser application downloads code, such as HTML code, from the server. This code is executable through the web-browser on the client terminal for providing a graphical and often interactive representation of the website on the client terminal. By way of the web browser application, a user of the client terminal is able to navigate between and throughout various web pages provided by the website, and access various functionalities that are provided.

[00232] Although some embodiments make use of a website/browser-based implementation, in other embodiments proprietary software methods are implemented as an alternative. For example, in such embodiments client terminals 304 maintain software instructions for a computer program product that essentially provides access to a portal via which framework 100 is accessed (for instance via an iPhone app or the like).

[00233] In general terms, each terminal 304 includes a processor 311 coupled to a memory module 313 and a communications interface 312, such as an internet connection, modem, Ethernet port, serial port, or the like. Memory module 313 includes software instructions 314, which are executable on processor 311. These software instructions allow terminal 304 to execute a software application, such as a proprietary application or web browser application and thereby render on-screen a user interface and allow communication with server 302. This user interface allows for the creation, viewing and administration of profiles, access to the internal communications interface, and various other functionalities.

CONCLUSIONS AND INTERPRETATION

[00234] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining", analyzing" or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities into other data similarly represented as physical quantities.

[00235] In a similar manner, the term "processor" may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data, e.g., from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that, e.g., may be stored in registers and/or memory. A "computer" or a "computing machine" or a "computing platform" may include one or more processors.

[00236] The methodologies described herein are, in one embodiment, performable by one or more processors that accept computer-readable (also called machine-readable) code containing a set of instructions that when executed by one or more of the processors carry out at least one of the methods described herein. Any processor capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken are included. Thus, one example is a typical processing system that includes one or more processors. Each processor may include one or more of a CPU, a graphics processing unit, and a programmable DSP unit. The processing system further may include a memory subsystem including main RAM and/or a static RAM, and/or ROM. A bus subsystem may be included for communicating between the components. The processing system further may be a distributed processing system with processors coupled by a network. If the processing system requires a display, such a display may be included, e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT) display. If manual data entry is required, the processing system also includes an input device such as one or more of an alphanumeric input unit such as a keyboard, a pointing control device such as a mouse, and so forth. The term memory unit as used herein, if clear from the context and unless explicitly stated otherwise, also encompasses a storage system such as a disk drive unit. The processing system in some configurations may include a sound output device, and a network interface device. The memory subsystem thus includes a computer-readable carrier medium that carries computer-readable code (e.g., software) including a set of instructions to cause performing, when executed by one or more processors, one of more of the methods described herein. Note that when the method includes several elements, e.g., several steps, no ordering of such elements is implied, unless specifically stated. The software may reside in the hard disk, or may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the RAM and/or within the processor during execution thereof by the computer system. Thus, the memory and the processor also constitute computer-readable carrier medium carrying computer-readable code.

[00237] Furthermore, a computer-readable carrier medium may form, or be included in a computer program product.

[00238] In alternative embodiments, the one or more processors operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., networked to other processor(s), in a networked deployment, the one or more processors may operate in the capacity of a server or a user machine in server-user network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment. The one or more processors may form a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.

[00239] Note that while diagrams only show a single processor and a single memory that carries the computer-readable code, those in the art will understand that many of the components described above are included, but not explicitly shown or described in order not to obscure the inventive aspect. For example, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

[00240] Thus, one embodiment of each of the methods described herein is in the form of a computer-readable carrier medium carrying a set of instructions, e.g., a computer program that is for execution on one or more processors, e.g., one or more processors that are part of web server arrangement. Thus, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as a method, an apparatus such as a special purpose apparatus, an apparatus such as a data processing system, or a computer-readable carrier medium, e.g., a computer program product. The computer-readable carrier medium carries computer readable code including a set of instructions that when executed on one or more processors cause the processor or processors to implement a method. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a method, an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of carrier medium (e.g., a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium) carrying computer-readable program code embodied in the medium.

[00241] The software may further be transmitted or received over a network via a network interface device. While the carrier medium is shown in an exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, the term "carrier medium" should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term "carrier medium" shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by one or more of the processors and that cause the one or more processors to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present invention. A carrier medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical, magnetic disks, and magneto-optical disks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a bus subsystem. Transmission media also may also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared data communications. For example, the term "carrier medium" shall accordingly be taken to included, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, a computer product embodied in optical and magnetic media; a medium bearing a propagated signal detectable by at least one processor of one or more processors and representing a set of instructions that, when executed, implement a method; and a transmission medium in a network bearing a propagated signal detectable by at least one processor of the one or more processors and representing the set of instructions.

[00242] It will be understood that the steps of methods discussed are performed in one embodiment by an appropriate processor (or processors) of a processing (i.e., computer) system executing instructions (computer-readable code) stored in storage. It will also be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular implementation or programming technique and that the invention may be implemented using any appropriate techniques for implementing the functionality described herein. The invention is not limited to any particular programming language or operating system.

[00243] It should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, FIG., or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[00244] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[00245] Furthermore, some of the embodiments are described herein as a method or combination of elements of a method that can be implemented by a processor of a computer system or by other means of carrying out the function. Thus, a processor with the necessary instructions for carrying out such a method or element of a method forms a means for carrying out the method or element of a method. Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention.

[00246] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[00247] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term coupled, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limited to direct connections only. The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A coupled to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

[00248] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as falling within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A computer implemented method for enabling resource consumption planning for a facility having one or more accommodations and one or more users of the accommodations, the method including:

processing weather forecast data, thereby to estimate future renewable resource collection levels, wherein the renewable resource collection levels include levels of: locally generated electricity; locally collected water; and bio-energy resources;

deriving, from data of one or more resource consumption meters, monitored user behaviour in resource consumption data, wherein the one or more resource consumption sensors include any one or more of: electricity sensors; device operation sensors; water consumption sensors; and weight-based resource monitors;

based on the monitored user behaviour in resource consumption data, forecasting future resource consumption, wherein the monitored user behaviour in resource consumption data is further derived from a plurality of user resource consumption activities, each user resource consumption activity being defined by: (i) a trigger condition including one or more of the following sensed conditions: time of day; occupant activity; internal conditions; external conditions; and activity at a client device; (ii) suggestion data to be rendered via the client device; (iii) completion conditions whereby specific suggestion data is deemed to have been implemented by the user if a specific corresponding completion condition is satisfied; and (iv) feedback data to be rendered via the client device in the case that the completion conditions are satisfied; and

providing an output signal to at least one of the one or more users in the case that forecasted future resource consumption exceeds forecasted availability based on the estimated future renewable resource collection levels.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the output signal includes a warning.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the output signal causes a networked device associated with an accommodation or occupant to display a message.

4. A method according to claim 3 wherein the message includes a recommendation for resource conservative practices.

5. A method according to claim 1 wherein the output signal provides an instruction to utilise secondary resources.

6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the secondary resources include non renewable resources.

7. A method according to claim 1 wherein the output signal causes execution of a rule that effects predefined control of one or more networked devices.

8. A method according to claim 7 wherein the one or more networked devices include, or are configured to control devices that include, one or more of the following: electrical heating and/or cooling devices; accommodation external openings; electrical power supply; electrical devices; water heating; and water supply.