GB2449670A

GB2449670A - Resource consumption monitoring and control

Info

Publication number: GB2449670A
Application number: GB0710314A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jeremy Thomas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-05-30
Filing date: 2007-05-30
Publication date: 2008-12-03
Also published as: GB0710314D0

Abstract

Resource consumption monitoring apparatus comprising monitoring means and control means, in which the monitoring means is adapted to monitor the consumption of one or more resources at one or more physical sites, and to store raw data relating to said consumption of each of said one or more resources, in which the monitoring means and the control means are connected by means of a communications link, in which the monitoring means is adapted to send said raw data to the control means via the communications link, in which the control means comprises a processing means and a database containing consumption limit data for each of said one or more resources, in which the processing means is adapted to compare said raw data with said consumption limit data, and in which if the raw data relating to a particular resource exceeds a threshold established by the corresponding consumption limit data for that resource, the control means is adapted to issue a warning relating to that resource to a communications unit associated with that resource, with which the resource consumption monitoring apparatus is used. The invention relate particularly to monitoring consumption of electricity, gas or water at business premises. Monitoring, Metering, Measuring, Resource, Utility, Usage, Consumption, Over-consumption, Alert, Warning.

Description

Resource Consumption Monitoring Apparatus This invention relates to

resource consumption monitoring apparatus, for use particularly, but not exclusively, to monitor the consumption of electricity, water and gas at business premises.

Most businesses waste a small quantity of electricity, water and gas every day simply due to ignorance or apathy. For example, computers are left running over night, or heating systems come on an hour earlier in the morning than is necessary.

This may not be a significant problem on one day, however when such consumption is multiplied over an entire year, the wastage becomes more serious. When this unnecessary consumption is considered on a national or international scale, the wastage is huge. With limited resources available, and the enormous cost to the environment of procuring and providing them, such wastage cannot be allowed to continue.

The consumption of resources such as electricity, water and gas are monitored for the purpose of billing, and it is possible to check one's consumption at any time.

However, this is rarely done with the intent of gathering data on the consumption, analysing that data, and taking action to reduce wastage. Such a task would be time consuming and would require considerable effort, particularly if it is undertaken on a large scale over a number of buildings.

In addition, once wastage was identified, action would be required to reduce it, and this would only be useful if it were done on a continuous basis. Again, considerable effort would be required to continuously monitor consumption, and to then prompt remechal action whenever required.

The present invention is intended to address some of the above problems.

Therefore, according to a first aspect of the present invention, resource consumption monitoring apparatus comprises monitoring means and control means, in which the monitoring means is adapted to monitor the consumption of one or more resources at one or more physical sites, and to store raw data relating to said consumption of each of said one or more resources, in which the monitoring means and the control means are connected by means of a communications link, in which the monitoring means is adapted to send said raw data to the control means via the communications link, in which the control means comprises a processing means and a database containing consumption limit data for each of said one or more resources, in which the processing means is adapted to compare said raw data with said consumption limit data, and in which if the raw data relating to a particular resource exceeds a threshold established by the corresponding consumption limit data for that resource, the control means is adapted to issue a warning relating to that resource to a communications unit associated with that resource, with which the resource consumption monitoring apparatus is used.

With this arrangement a customer's electricity, gas and water consumption can be monitored at one or more sites, and they can be warned if usage exceeds pre-determined limits. The warning can be in the form of an email or a text message to the customer's mobile phone.

In a preferred construction the database can also contain one or more units of targeted consumption reduction advice data which each relate to one of said one or more resources, and the warning can include one of these targeted bits of advice.

Thus, when a customer's electricity, gas or water consumption rises above a set level, they will be warned, and given a targeted instruction on how to reduce the consumption. This advice could take many forms, and it will be appreciated that it will be tailored to the arrangements at a specific customer's site. An example Could be a warning triggered by excessive electricity consumption at an office with several PCs, and the advice could be to check that unused computer monitors at the site are being switched off.

A plurality of staggered thresholds can be established by the consumption limit data for each resource, and different types of warning can be issued depending on the nature of the threshold which has been breached.

Preferably the consumption limit data can comprise an optimum consumption threshold, a preferred consumption threshold higher than the optimum consumption threshold, and a maximum consumption threshold higher than the preferred consumption threshold. If the raw data for a resource breaches the optimum consumption threshold only, the warning can be a green" warning which merely indicates that consumption of a particular resource is within acceptable limits. If the raw data for a resource breaches the preferred consumption threshold the warning can be an uamber warning which indicates that consumption of a particular resource is beyond acceptable limits, and a unit of targeted consumption reduction advice data may be included. If the raw data for a resource breaches the maximum consumption threshold, the warning can be a red" warning which indicates that consumption of a particular resource is too high, and includes a unit of consumption reduction advice data. The manner in which these consumption thresholds are established for each resource is explained further below.

The thresholds established by the consumption limit data can be specific to the time of day. For example, the thresholds for triggering warnings for excessive electricity consumption can be lower for the time period between 6pm and 8am, than during working hours. As such, the apparatus can be used to identify and rectify resource consumption which is inappropriate for the time of day.

Likewise, the units of targeted consumption reduction advice data can also be specific to the time of day, such that a particular piece of advice issued with a warning can relate to the time of day the infraction occurred. For example, when too much electricity is used during the night, the advice could be to check that all lights are being switched off, and when too much electricity is used during the day, the user could be advised to check that a particular piece of machinery is not being left on.

Again, it will be appreciated that all this advice can be specifically related to the customer and the site in question.

The control means can be adapted to facilitate the programming of said consumption limit data and the one or more units of targeted consumption reduction advice data, and all this data can be changed at any time, according to requirements.

In a preferred construction the control means can comprise a visualisation means, and the processing means can be adapted to create graphical visualisations on the visualisation means of the raw data, such that characteristics of the raw data over a pre-determiried time period can be viewed. In addition, the processing means can also be adapted to create graphical visualisations on the visualisation means which also include the consumption limit data and the one or more units of targeted consumption reduction advice data.

Obviously the easiest way to achieve the above features is for the control means to comprise a computer program run on a computer, which is provided with input control keys and a screen. lii a preferred arrangement the computer can be connected to the Internet, and it can be adapted to allow the graphic visualisations referred to above to be viewable online. The means by which all this can be achieved are well known, and are therefore not described in further detail here.

However, allowing these visualisations to be viewable online allows a customer to view figures and diagrams showing their resource consumption, and to see when their consumption exceeded any thresholds. It also allows customers to readily see how the apparatus is working successfully for them, and to view all their resource consumption statistics in one place at any time, without leaving their desks.

It will be appreciated that there are many ways the monitoring means and the control means can be connected by means of a communications link, including over the Internet or with an intranet. However, in a preferred construction the monitoring means can be adapted to issue SMS text messages containing the raw data, and these SMS text messages can be communicated over a mobile telephone network to a third party which converts the raw data into XML files, which are then retrieved over the internet via ftp by the computer running the computer program.

As referred to above, the targeted consumption reduction advice data which is issued in use, can be an email to a pre-determined email address which is associated with that resource in question, or an SMS message to a pre-determined mobile telephone which is associated with that resource. The association would be that the intended recipient of the email or Text message would be in a position to act upon the advice by being at the site, or having access to it.

The apparatus of the invention can be used to monitor any resource, but in a preferred construction the one or more resources can comprise at least one of a gas supply, an electricity supply and a water supply.

Preferably the thresholds established by the consumption limit data for each of the one or more resources, can be quantity thresholds, which is to say that they can be based on the quantity of resource monitored by the monitoring means. With this arrangement the mere fact that a particular resource is being consumed at a particular rate will breach the threshold. Alternatively, the thresholds can be quantity over time thresholds, which is to say that they can be based on the consumption of a resource over a given time period. With this arrangement the thresholds will be breached by, for example, the consumption of an excessive quantity of electricity over several hours. This would allow for short periods of high use, followed by periods of lower use, so the usage over a particular time period will still be within the limits.

In a preferred Construction consumption thresholds can be established for multiple different periods of time, which can overlap. In particular, thresholds can be established for consumption of resources over an entire day, but at the same time different thresholds can be established for consumption of those resources over particular relevant times of the day, for example 8pm to 5am for electricity consumption. Different types of warning can be issued when the raw data indicates that these different types of thresholds have been breached. In particular, the green", amber" and red" warnings referred to above can be targeted to breaches of particular timely thresholds.

It will be appreciated that the central part of the invention is the control means, as it is this component which determines how the apparatus functions. The invention therefore also includes a computer program adapted to put the invention into effect.

Therefore, according to a second aspect of the present invention a computer program product carried by a carrier medium comprises a controlling sub-program and a database sub program, in which when the computer program product is run on a computer, said computer comprises a control means adapted to form a part of a resource consumption monitoring apparatus comprising monitoring means and said control means, in which the monitoring means is adapted to monitor the consumption of one or more resources at one or more physical sites, and to store raw data relating to said consumption of each of said one or more resources, in which the monitoring means and the control means are connected by means of a communications link, in which the monitoring means is adapted to send said raw data to the control means via the communications link, in which the control means comprises a processing means and a database containing consumption limit data for each of said one or more resources, in which the processing means is adapted to compare said raw data with said consumption limit data, and in which if the raw data relating to a particular resource exceeds a threshold established by the corresponding consumption limit data for that resource, the control means is adapted to issue a warning relating to that resource to a communications unit associated with that resource, with which the resource consumption monitoring apparatus is used.

The apparatus of the invention is intended to form a part of a wider energy saving service to be provided by the vendor, which is divided into a number of stages.

At first an "initial consumption profile" measurement is taken, where SMS dataloggers are fitted to various meter points around a customer's site or sites, to monitor the regular usage of electricity, gas and water. In order to gather sufficient data for the "initial consumption profile", resource consumption is measured for all five days of a particular working week, and for four weekends, so a suitable average can be generated based on five normal working days and four Saturdays and four Sundays. From the gathered data a Remote Monitoring and Targeting Initial consumption profile" is created, which shows the average consumption for each day of the week, based on readings taken every hour or half hour. The "initial consumption data" forms the basis for the maximum consumption thresholds referred to above. If the site is large, or if there are several sites, a profile can be created for each manageable area. The vendor will analyse this data, and identify potential reductions which could be made, using a "top hat" approach. In particular, they will look for ways to reduce consumption overnight, then identify ways to tighten the consumption breadth during the day, then identify the maximum peak load, and think of ways to reduce it.

Next an energy saving campaign is carried out, in which the customer is provided with various resource saving tools, and taught techniques on how to save resources, in particular in relation to the key areas referred to above. Direct engagement with the customer is vital to achieving success, as the customer becomes involved in the process. In conjunction with the service provider, the customer will fill in a questionnaire, identifying key changes they have made to reduce their resource consumption in the key areas. For example, turning all computer monitors off at night, or switching the heating on half an hour later in the day. The responses given in the questionnaire can form the basis of the units of targeted consumption reduction advice data.

After this campaign the user will adopt all the identified measures, and the site or sites will be monitored for a period of time again as above. From the gathered data a new "optimised profile" will be created, which forms the basis of the optimum consumption thresholds referred to above. As such, the optimum consumption thresholds will be based on goals which it is known are achievable.

In consultation with the end user, the preferred consumption thresholds are also then established. These are based on the optimum consumption thresholds plus a chosen extra amount which the end user would be content to consume.

The apparatus described above is then operated as normal. The warnings will be issued when the different thresholds are exceeded, and at the same time the customer can view their progress online, by looking at charts and graphs of their consumption, and the savings achieved.

Therefore, according to a third aspect of the present invention, a method setting up a resource consumption monitoring apparatus comprising monitoring means and control means, in which the monitoring means is adapted to monitor the consumption of one or more resources at one or more physical sites, and to store raw data relating to said consumption of each of said one or more resources, in which the monitoring means and the control means are connected by means of a communications link, in which the monitoring means is adapted to send said raw data to the control means via the communications link, in which the control means comprises a processing means and a database containing consumption limit data for each of said one or more resources, in which the processing means is adapted to compare said raw data with said consumption limit data, and in which if the raw data relating to a particular resource exceeds a threshold established by the corresponding consumption limit data for that resource, the control means is adapted to issue a warning relating to that resource to a communications unit associated with that resource, with which the resource consumption monitoring apparatus is used, comprises the following steps: i) Applying the monitoring means to one or more supplies of resources to be monitored; ii) Operating the resource consumption monitoring apparatus for a test monitoring period to establish test raw data relating to the consumption of each of the one or more resources; iii) Analysing the test raw data and establishing thresholds for consumption limit data for each of said one or more resources, and storing said consumption limit data in the database.

In a preferred version of the above method, the following further step can be included: I) Identifying measures which reduce consumption of the one or more resources, and creating one or more units of targeted consumption reduction advice data which each relate to one of said one or more resources, and storing said one or more units of targeted consumption reduction advice data in the database, for use as part of the warning.

The invention can be performed in various ways, but one embodiment will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a resource consumption monitoring apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, in a first arrangement; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of the resource consumption monitoring apparatus as shown in Figure 1, in a second arrangement; Figure 3 is a flow diagram showing the method of use of the resource consumption monitoring apparatus as shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a flow diagram showing the steps of a method of setting up a resource consumption monitoring apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention; Figure 5 is a first screen shot from an end user's computer forming a part of the resource consumption monitoring apparatus as shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 is a second screen shot from an end user's computer forming a part of the resource consumption monitoring apparatus as shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 is a third screen shot from an end user's computer forming a part of the resource consumption monitoring apparatus as shown in Figure 1; Figure 8 is a fourth screen shot from an end user's computer forming a part of the resource consumption monitoring apparatus as shown in Figure 1; Figure 9 is a fifth screen shot from an end user's computer forming a part of the resource consumption monitoring apparatus as shown in Figure 1; Figure 10 is a sixth screen shot from an end user's computer forming a part of the resource consumption monitoring apparatus as shown in Figure 1; and, Figure 11 is a seventh screen shot from an end user's computer forming a part of the resource consumption monitoring apparatus as shown in Figure 1.

As shown in Figure 1 resource consumption monitoring apparatus 1 comprises monitoring means, in the form of gas, water and electricity SMS dataloggers, 2, 3, and 4, and control means, in the form of service provider's computer 5. As described further below, the monitoring means (2, 3, 4) is adapted to monitor the consumption of one or more resources at one or more physical sites, and to store raw data relating to said consumption of each of said one or more resources. The monitoring means (2, 3, 4) and the control means (5) are connected by means of a communications link, in the form of connections over a mobile telephone communications network and the internet, indicated by arrows 6, and the monitoring means (2, 3, 4) is adapted to send raw data to the control means (5) via the communication link (6). The control means (5) comprises a processing means, in the form of operating system 7 and controlling program 8, and a database 9 containing consumption limit data 10 for each of said one or more resources (2, 3, 4). The processing means (7, 8) is adapted to compare said raw data with said consumption limit data 10, which it does using raw data comparison sub-program 11. As described further below, if the raw data relating to a particular resource (2, 3, or 4) exceeds a threshold established by the corresponding consumption limit data 10 for that resource, the control means (5) is adapted to issue a warning relating to that resource, using warning generation sub-program 12 and SMS sender 13 or Internet connection 14. The warning is sent to a communications unit associated with that resource, with which the resource consumption monitoring apparatus 1 is used, in the form of end user's mobile phone 15, or end user's computer 16.

The SMS dataloggers 2, 3, 4 are specifically adapted to be fitted to existing gas, water and electricity meter points at an end user's location. These loggers can be units fitted to existing meters, or they can actually perform the standard metering themselves. The arrangements chosen for each location will be site specific, but in each case the SMS dataloggers 2, 3, 4 are able to gather data on the consumption of gas, water and electricity at that metering point, to store that data, and to intermittently send it to the service provider's computer 5. (The Figures show the SMS dataloggers 2, 3, 4 sending SMS text messages to an SMS receiver 22 associated with the service provider's computer 5. However, in practice the SMS text messages are sent over the mobile telephone communications network 6 to a third party which converts them to XML files which are sent to the service provider's computer via ftp over the Internet). In this case SMS text messages are sent from each datalogger 2, 3, 4 once a day. The technology required to implement this arrangement is well known, and is not explained here in further detait.

The service provider's computer 5 is a standard PC, with a known operating system 7. Loaded onto the operating system 7 is the controlling program 8 and its associated database 9. These programs are integrated into the systems of the service provider's computer 5 in any of the known ways. The controlling program 8 comprises four sub-programs: a data input and set-up sub program 17, the raw data comparison sub-program 11, a graphical interface generation sub program 18 and the warning generation sub-program 12. The manner in which the controlling program 8 and its four sub-programs 11, 12, 17, 18 can be created is well known, and is not explained here in further detail. (Figure 1 is a very simple diagram intended to show the basic operating features of the controlling program 8, and for ease of explanation these functions are divided between the four sub-programs 11, 12, 17, 18. However, it will be appreciated that in practice such clearly defined boundaries may not be appropriate, and Figure 1 is not intended to be understood as anything other than a diagrammatic view of the various features of the invention, and how they interact with one another.) The data base 9 contains operating rules 19, the consumption limit data 10, a log 20 and units of targeted consumption reduction advice data 21 which each relate to one of the monitored resources. The data base 9 can be disposed anywhere on the service provider's computer's hard drive as appropriate. The service provider's computer 5 is also provided with various bits of hardware, including an SMS receiver 22 (which in practice may not be included as mentioned above), a keyboard 23, a screen 24, the SMS sender 13 and the Internet connection 14.

The operating rules 19 comprise pre-determined operating preferences which determine exactly how the controlling program 8 operates in use, some of which are referred to below.

The consumption limit data 10 comprises multiple time period specific optimum consumption thresholds, preferred consumption thresholds and maximum consumption thresholds for each of the monitored resources. The time periods are each whole day, and the periods from 8pm to 5am, 6am to 8am, 9am to 5pm and 6pm to 8pm.

The log 20 is a record of all the raw data received and all the events which occurred over a pre-determinecj time period, set by the operating rules 19.

The units of targeted consumption reduction advice data 21 are time of the day specific messages, which contain advice on how to reduce the consumption of a resource during a particular time period. The messages are directly related to the physical sites at which the resources are monitored.

The operating rules 19, the consumption limit data 10 and the units of targeted consumption reduction advice data 21 are programmed into the database 9 using the data input and set-up sub-program 17. Data is automatically stored in the log 20 as the apparatus 1 is used.

The raw data comparison sub-program 11 is adapted to compare the raw data received from the SMS dataloggers 2, 3, 4, in use with the corresponding time period specific consumption thresholds established by the consumption limit data 10. The warning generation sub-program 12 is adapted to generate and issue warnings if any of these thresholds are breached. In particular, if the raw data for a resource breaches one of its time period specific optimum consumption thresholds, the warning generation sub-program 12 is adapted to generate a green" warning which indicates that consumption of that resource is less than optimum, but within acceptable limits. If the raw data for a resource breaches one of its time period specific preferred consumption thresholds, the warning generation sub program 12 is adapted to generate an amber" warning which indicates that consumption of that resource is beyond acceptable limits, and a unit of targeted consumption reduction advice data is included. If the raw data for a resource breaches one of its time period specific maximum consumption thresholds, the warning generation sub program 12 is adapted to issue a red" warning which indicates that consumption of that resource is too high, and includes a unit of consumption reduction advice data.

The warnings are in the form of either an SMS text message to be sent from the SMS sender 13 to a pre-cieterminecj mobile telephone number, or in the form of an email to be sent via the Internet connection 14 to a pre-determineci email address, or both, according to the operating rules 19. The exact nature and format of the green", "amber" and red" warnings is also determined by the operating rules 19, and they can range from a simple word message stating that a particular resource is being over-used, to a detailed log of the exact time and amount of the breach, along with the one or more bits of advice on how to resolve the issue.

The graphical interface generation sub-program 18 is adapted to generate graphics relating to the data in the database 9. In particular, the graphical interface generation sub-program 18 is adapted to generate graphical interfaces on the screen 24, which allow the service provider to use the data input and set-up sub-program 17 to program data into the database 9. In addition, the graphical interface generation sub-program 18 is also adapted to generate graphical visualisations of the data in the log 20. The service provider's computer 5 is adapted to allow these graphical interfaces and graphical visualisations to be usable and viewable over the Internet by an end user.

In use as described below, the resource consumption monitoring apparatus 1 is used with an end user's mobile phone 15 and/or an end user's computer 16. The end user's mobile phone 15 is a standard unit capable of receiving SMS text messages from the SMS sender 13 via a connection, indicated by arrow 25, over a mobile telephone communications network. The end user's computer 16 is a standard PC, with a known operating system 26, onto which is loaded a known Internet browser 27 and a known email program 28, capable of receiving and displaying email messages. The end user's computer 16 also comprises en Internet connection29, a screen 30 and a keyboard 31. As such, the end user's computer 16 is capable of receiving emails from the service provider's computer 5 via a connection, indicated by arrow 32, over the Internet. It is also capable of viewing web pages on the Internet which are provided by the service providers computer 5, and of interacting with the service provider's computer 5 via those web pages.

In use the apparatus I functions as shown in Figure 3. In a first step 33, the gas, water and electricity supplies at the end user's location are monitored by the SMS dataloggers 2, 3, 4. The dataloggers 2, 3, 4 monitor the flow of these resources, and store data on the quantity which passes the metering point over 60 minute periods.

At the second step 34, the SMS dataloggers 2, 3, 4 send SMS messages to the service provider's computer 5, which include raw data on the quantity of gas, water and electricity consumed over hourly periods in the previous 24 hours. When the messages are received by the service provider's computer 5, they are transmitted to the raw data comparison sub-program 11.

At the third step 35, the raw data comparison sub-program 11 compares the received raw data with the corresponding consumption limit data 10 stored in the database 9. If the comparison reveals that the quantity of a particular resource consumed over the particular hourly periods referred to above is less than the optimum consumption threshold, then no further action is taken, and the apparatus 1 awaits the next SMS signal in 24 hours time. However, if the comparison reveals that the quantity of a particular resource consumed over any of the particular hourly periods breaches any of the different thresholds, then a warning is issued. As such, the warnings relate to activity during the previous day, and any remedial action will relate to preventing the same breach occurring on the next day.

At the fourth step 36, the warning generation sub-program 12 generates an appropriate warning, which can be "green", "amber" or "red" in nature according to the type of breach, as described above. The particular format of the warning is set b preferences in the operating rules 19. If a unit of targeted consumption reduction advice is included, it is taken from those 21 stored in the database 9. The particular unit of advice used can be specific to the nature of the breach, and in particular to the time period of the day in which it occurred, and the warning generation sub program 12 refers to the operating rules 19 to determine the particular unit to be used. For example, if too much electricity is being used between 8pm and 5am, the unit of advice can be to check that all the lights in a building are being switched off.

Alternatively, if too much gas is being used between 9am and 5pm, the unit of advice can be to turn down the thermostat on the gas central heating.

At the fifth step 37, the generated warning is sent to the end user's mobile phone 15 and/or computer 16, according to preferences set in the operating rules 19. The operating rules relating to the manner in which the message is sent can be time of day specific, for example an SMS text can be sent during out of office hours, and an email can be sent during office hours. Both or either method can be used at any time. The operating rules 19 also contain the required mobile telephone number and email address required to reach the end user's mobile phone 15 or computer 16.

In addition, these details can also be time specific, so a particular mobile phone or computer can be contacted at one time of day, while another can be contacted at another time of day. Further, more than one mobile phone or computer can be contacted at any time.

If an SMS text message is to be sent to the end user's mobile phone 15, it is sent using the SMS sender 13, and reaches the end user's mobile phone 15 via the link 25 in a mobile telephone communications network. If an email is to be sent to the end user's computer 16, it is sent using the Internet connection 14, and it reaches the end user's computer 16 via the link 32 over the Internet. When the end user receives the warning, he can take remedial action as appropriate, perhaps in accordance with the issued unit of advice.

Whether a warning is required or not, the activity which took place at steps 33 to 35, or steps 33 to 37, is stored in the log 20 at the sixth step 38. The log 20 includes the raw data which was received, and copies of any warnings issued.

At the seventh step 39 the service provider or the end user views the log 20.

The graphical interface generation sub-program 18 can be accessed via the controlling program 8, so various different visualisations can be viewed on the screen 24 on the service provider's computer 5, or the screen 30 on the end user's computer 16, via the Internet connections 29 and 14. (It will be appreciated that the end user's computer 16 can be any computer which can access the Internet, so the end user can view the visualisations from anywhere. A password system is used to prevent unauthorised access.) The visualisations created draw on data stored in the fog 20.

Figures 5 to 11 are screenshots which show examples of the type of graphical visualisations referred to above. Figure 5 is a home page 50, with an end user details input section 51. Once the end user has entered the details of the site to be viewed, they can access particular sections at menu 52. In this instance the end user can choose to analyse their gas or their electricity consumption. Figure 6 is a second menu page 60, which allows the end user to choose which SMS datalogger to view, with which type of graph, and over which time period, at menu 61. On the right is a menu 62 which allows the end user to choose a site from which the SMS datalogger is selectable. Data from more than one site can be included in one graph.

Figure 7 is a graph page 70, which shows a line graph 71 showing the consumption of gas over a week at a particular site, as determined by the choices entered at menu 61. The line graph 71 includes an average line 72, a maximum consumption line 73 and a minimum consumption line 74. From this line graph 71 it is possible to see how gas was consumed over a particular week, and in particular it shows a surge of usage during Thursday.

Figure 8 is a graph page 80, which shows a line graph 81 showing the consumption of gas over one day at four separate sites, again as determined by choices entered at menu 61. The line graph 81 includes an average consumption line 82, and has consumption quantities entered for each hour. Each line is coloured, and key box 83 indicates which fine relates to which site. Total consumption figures 84 for all the sites shown in the line graph 81 are given at the bottom.

Figure 9 is the top part of a summary page 90, which has a chart 91 indicating a number of particular details for a number of sites, again as determined by choices entered at menu 61. In this case the chart 91 shows the minimum and maximum gas consumption flow rates at all the sites in the system. It also shows when the SMS dataloggers were installed, and when the last reading was received.

Figure 10 is an SMS datalogger page 100, which includes a graphical visuajisation of the datalogger 101, showing its actual reading. This page also allows various operating rules for this datalogger to be set, at menu 102. The links in this menu 102 take the end user to pages where settings such as the manner and frequency that the raw data is sent can be set.

Figure 11 is a further graph page 110, which shows a block graph 111 showing the total consumption of gas per day over a three week period at a particular site, again as determined by choices entered at menu 61. The block graph 111 has an average consumption line 112. From this particular graph it is possible to see how much gas was consumed over a longer period, and in particular it shows very high use on certain days.

The screen shots shown in Figures 5 to 11 are mere examples of many different types of visualisations which the apparatus 1 is capable of producing, and the graphical visualisations generation sub-program 18 is not limited to generating the views shown. In particular, the graphical visualisations generation sub-program 18 can produce charts showing the warnings which have been issued, and it can produce line and block charts which include the three different types of consumption thresholds, so an end user can readily see when and by how much the different thresholds established by the consumption limit data were exceeded.

In addition, and as referred to above, the graphical visualisations generation sub-program 18 can generate graphical interfaces which allow the service provider to use the data input and set-up sub-program 17 to program data into the database 9.

Some of the screen shots described above include such graphical interfaces, such as menu 102.

It will be appreciated that the kind of software required to create these visualisations is well known, and it is therefore not further described here.

Referring back to Figure 3, the eighth step 40 is the adjustment of the operating rules 19. As is clear from Figures 5 to 11, the end user can readily see how the usage of their resources fluctuates over time, and they can see when and how the established thresholds were exceeded or not. As a result, the consumption limit data can be adjusted to better suit the end user's resource consumption. For example, if the thresholds are too high and the monitored consumption never reaches them, they can be lowered so one-off surges in consumption will trigger a warning. Further, if the thresholds are too low, and they are constantly breached, they can be raised to a more appropriate and useful level. The operating rules 19 can be adjusted using the data input and set-up sub-program 17, as described above.

Prior to the normal use as described above, the apparatus 1 must be set up, and the procedure is shown in Figure 4. In a first step 41 the SMS dataloggers 2, 3, 4 are installed at the desired resource monitoring points. As referred to above, the SMS dataloggers 2, 3, 4 are adapted to be fitted at existing monitoring points to known monitoring apparatus, or they can completely replace an existing meter.

Once the SMS dataloggers 2, 3, 4 are installed, the apparatus 1 is run for a test period, so an Initial consumption profile" can be compiled. At the second step 42 the SMS dataloggers 2, 3,4 send SMS messages to the service provider's computer 5, which include raw data on the quantity of gas, water and electricity consumed over the previous 24 hours. This is continued for the five days of a working week, and for four weekends.

At the third step 43 the received raw data is processed to establish test data which is the average consumption for a weekday, Saturdays and Sundays, and this test data will form the basis of the maximum consumption thresholds. The graphical interface generation sub-program 18 is used to create various visualisations of the test data, much like those described above, so the test data can be viewed on the screen 24 on the service provider's computer 5, or the screen 30 on the end user's computer 16, via the Internet connections 29 and 14.

At the fourth step 44 the test data is analysed by the service provider, to identify potential reductions which could be made to each of the monitored resources, using a atop hat" approach. In particular, the service provider will look for ways to reduce consumption overnight, then identify ways to tighten the consumption breadth during the day, then identify the maximum peak load, and think of ways to reduce it. The end user is then provided with various resource saving tools, and taught techniques on how to save resources, in particular in relation to the key areas referred to above. In conjunction with the service provider, the customer fills in a questionnaire, identifying key changes they have made to reduce their resource consumption in the key areas. For example, turning all computer monitors off at night, or switching the heating on half an hour later in the day.

The end user then adopts all the identified measures, and the apparatus is run for another test period like that described above, so an optimised profile" can be completed. At the fifth step 45, the SMS dataloggers 2, 3, 4 send SMS messages to the service provider's computer 5, as at the second step 41.

At the sixth step 46 the received raw data is processed to establish test data which is the average consumption for a weekday, Saturdays and Sundays, and this test data will form the basis of the optimum consumption thresholds. Again the graphical interface generation sub-program 18 is used to create various visualisations of the test data.

At the seventh step 47, the different test data is analysed by the service provider, and the data input and set-up sub-program 17 is used to input all the different types of consumption limit data 10 for each of the monitored resources, based on the service provider's findings. The consumption limit data 10 is stored in the database 9. This stage includes the generation of the preferred consumption thresholds, which are chosen in consultation with the end user.

At the eighth step 48, the data input and set-up sub-program 17 is used to input units of targeted consumption reduction advice data 21, for each of the monitored resources. As described above, the units of targeted consumption reduction advice data 21 are time period of the day specific messages, which contain advice on how to reduce the consumption of a resource during a particular hourly period of the day. The messages are directly related to the physical sites at which the resources are monitored, and are created by the service provider in conjunction with the end user.

At the ninth step 49, the data input and set-up sub-program 17 is used to establish the operating rules 19. The graphical interface generation sub-program 18 creates various menu pages, much like those described above, in which the various preferences described above can be set, and end user contact information stored.

The apparatus 1 is then ready for normal use.

In the above described embodiment the apparatus 1 is used to monitor one end user's gas, water and electricity consumption at one site. However, it will be appreciated that the apparatus 1 can also be used to monitor resource consumption at more than one site, and it can be used by more than one end user. Figure 2 shows just such an arrangement, in which SMS clataloggers 200 to 202 monitor the gas, water and electricity consumption at a first site, SMS dataloggers 203 to 205 monitor the gas, water and electricity consumption at a second site, and SMS dataloggers 206 to 208 monitor the gas, water and electricity consumption at a third site. In addition, the apparatus 1 is configured to co-operate with a first end user's mobile phone 209 and computer 210, a second end user's mobile phone 211 and computer 212, and a third end user's mobile phone 213 and computer 214.

In Figure 2 the SMS dataloggers 200 to 202 monitor the first end user's resources, the SMS dataloggers 203 to 205 monitor the second end user's resources, and the SMS dataloggers 206 to 208 monitor the third end user's resources. Separate consumption limit data 10 and units of targeted consumption reduction advice data 21 are stored in the database 9 for each of the three end user's, and the apparatus 1 operates separately for each of the end user's, as described above in relation to Figure 1. A password system is used so each end user can only remotely access the data in the database 9 which relates to them.

It will be appreciated that provided sufficient space is provided in the database 9, and that the operating system 7 is provided with sufficient processing power, raw data from any number of SMS dataloggers can be received and processed, and any number of end user's can utilise the system.

It will be further appreciated that the different groups of SMS dataloggers can all be associated with the same large organisation, and each of the end user's can be responsible for a section of that organisation. With such an arrangement, all the end user's can have free access to all the information in the database 9. Each end user can be responsible for the gas, water and electricity consumption at one site, or part of a site, or each end user can be responsible for the consumption of one resource at all the sites, or parts of one site, and any warnings can be directed accordingly.

The invention also includes a computer program product carried by a carrier medium, comprising a controlling sub-program and a database sub program, in which when the computer program product is run on a computer, said computer comprises a control means adapted to form a part of a resource consumption monitoring apparatus, like that described above. The controlling program 8 and all its components provides support for this aspect of the invention, and it will be appreciated how it can readily be stored on any known type of carrier medium.

The embodiment described above can be altered without departing from the scope of Claim 1, and in particular in alternative constructions (not shown) alternative methods of communication are arranged between the monitoring means and the control means, and/or between the control means and the communications units of the end user, including cables, Bluetooth, an intranet and so on.

In addition, in other alternative constructions (not shown) other resources are monitored, including oil supplies and any other known type of energy resource.

In one further alternative embodiment (not shown) the monitoring means is continuously connected to the control means, and a warning is issued if a threshold established by the consumption limit data is exceeded at any time.

Thus, a resource consumption monitoring apparatus is provided which, once set up correctly, actively encourages users to address their over consumption of resources. The apparatus also gathers information on the consumption of multiple different resources over time, and can store and present that information in useful ways.

Claims

Claims 1. Resource consumption monitoring apparatus comprising

monitoring means and control means, in which the monitoring means is adapted to monitor the consumption of one or more resources at one or more physical sites, and to store raw data relating to said consumption of each of said one or more resources, in which the monitoring means and the control means are connected by means of a communications link, in which the monitoring means is adapted to send said raw data to the control means via the communications link, in which the control means comprises a processing means and a database containing consumption limit data for each of said one or more resources, in which the processing means is adapted to compare said raw data with said consumption limit data, and in which if the raw data relating to a particular resource exceeds a threshold established by the corresponding consumption limit data for that resource, the control means is adapted to issue a warning relating to that resource to a communications unit associated with that resource, with which the resource consumption monitoring apparatus is used.
2. Resource consumption monitoring apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 in which the database also contains one or more units of targeted consumption reduction advice data which each relate to one of said one or more resources, and in which the warning includes a unit of targeted consumption reduction advice data relating to the particular resource.
3. Resource consumption monitoring apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, in which a plurality of staggered thresholds are established by the consumption limit data for each of said one or more resources, and in which the control means is adapted to issue different warnings when the different thresholds are breached in use.
4. Resource consumption monitoring apparatus as claimed in Claim 3 in which the thresholds established by the consumption limit data are specific to a time period of the day.
5. Resource consumption monitoring apparatus as claimed in Claim 4in which the one or more units of targeted consumption reduction advice data are specific to a time period of the day, and in which the particular unit of targeted consumption reduction advice data issued with a warning relates to the time period of the day the raw data relating to a particular resource exceeds a threshold established by the corresponding consumption limit data for that resource.
6. Resource consumption monitoring apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 2 to in which the control means is adapted to facilitate the programming of said consumption limit data and the one or more units of targeted consumption reduction advice data, and in which said consumption limit data and the one or more units of targeted consumption reduction advice data are changeable at any time.
7. Resource consumption monitoring apparatus as claimed in Claim 6 in which the control means comprises a visualisation means, and in which the processing means is adapted to create graphical visualisations on the visualisation means of said raw data such that characteristics of the raw data over a pre-determinedtime period are viewable.
8. Resource consumption monitoring apparatus as claimed in Claim 7 in which the processing means is adapted to create graphical visualisations on the visualisation means of said consumption limit data.
9. Resource consumption monitoring apparatus as claimed in Claim 7 or 8 in which the processing means is adapted to create graphical visualisations on the visualisation means of said one or more units of targeted consumption reduction advice data.
10. Resource consumption monitoring apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 6 to 9 in which the control means comprises a computer program run on a computer, which is provided with input control keys and a screen.
11. Resource consumption monitoring apparatus as claimed in Claim 10 when dependent on Claim 9 when dependent on Claim 8, in which the computer is connected to the Internet, arid in which the graphic visualisations are available to view on the Internet.
12. Resource consumption monitoring apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the communications link is a connection over a mobile telephone network, and in which the raw data is sent as SMS messages.
13. Resource consumption monitoring apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 12 in which the targeted consumption reduction advice data relating to a resource for which the raw data exceeds a threshold established by the corresponding consumption limit data, is issued as an email to a pre-determined email address which is associated with that resource.
14. Resource consumption monitoring apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 12 in which the targeted consumption reduction advice data relating to a resource for which the raw data exceeds a threshold established by the corresponding consumption limit data, is issued as an SMS message to a pre-cietermined mobile telephone which is associated with that resource.
15. Resource consumption monitoring apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding Claims, in which the one or more resources comprise at least one of a gas supply, an electricity supply and a water supply.
16. Resource consumption monitoring apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the thresholds established by the consumption limit data for each of the one or more resources, are quantity thresholds.
17. Resource consumption monitoring apparatus as claimed Claim 15 in which the thresholds established by the consumption limit data for each of the one or more resources, are quantity over time thresholds.
18. Resource consumption monitoring apparatus as claimed in Claim 17 in which the thresholds established by the consumption limit data relate to multiple different periods of time,
19. Resource consumption monitoring apparatus as claimed in Claim 18 in which the multiple different periods of time overlap.
20. Resource consumption monitoring apparatus substantially as described herein and as shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 5 to 11.
21. A computer program product carried by a carrier medium, comprising a controlling sub-program and a database sub program, in which when the computer program product is run on a computer, said computer comprises a control means adapted to form a part of a resource consumption monitoring apparatus comprising monitoring means and said control means, in which the monitoring means is adapted to monitor the consumption of one or more resources at one or more physical sites, and to store raw data relating to said consumption of each of said one or more resources, in which the monitoring means and the control means are connected by means of a communications link, in which the monitoring means is adapted to send said raw data to the control means via the communications link, in which the control

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means comprises a processing means and a database containing consumption limit data for each of said one or more resources, in which the processing means is adapted to compare said raw data with said consumption limit data, and in which if the raw data relating to a particular resource exceeds a threshold established by the corresponding consumption limit data for that resource, the control means is adapted to issue a warning relating to that resource to a communications unit associated with that resource, with which the resource consumption monitoring apparatus is used.
22. A method setting up a resource consumption monitoring apparatus comprising monitoring means and control means, in which the monitoring means is adapted to monitor the consumption of one or more resources at one or more physical sites, and to store raw data relating to said consumption of each of said one or more resources, in which the monitoring means and the control means are connected by means of a communications link, in which the monitoring means is adapted to send said raw data to the control means via the communications link, in which the control means comprises a processing means and a database containing consumption limit data for each of said one or more resources, in which the processing means is adapted to compare said raw data with said consumption limit data, and in which if the raw data relating to a particular resource exceeds a threshold established by the corresponding consumption limit data for that resource, the control means is adapted to issue a warning relating to that resource to a communications unit associated with that resource, with which the resource consumption monitoring apparatus is use, comprising the following steps: i) Applying the monitoring means to one or more supplies of resources to be monitored; ii) Operating the resource consumption monitoring apparatus for a test monitoring period to establish test raw data relating to the consumption of each of the one or more resources;

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iii) Analysing the test raw data and establishing thresholds for consumption limit data for each of said one or more resources, and storing said consumption limit data in the database.
23. A method of setting up a resource consumption monitoring apparatus as claimed in Claim 19, comprising the further step: i) Identifying measures which reduce consumption of the one or more resources, and creating one or more units of targeted consumption reduction advice data which each relate to one of said one or more resources, and storing said one or more units of targeted consumption reduction advice data in the database, for use as part of the warning.
24. A method of setting up a resource consumption monitoring apparatus substantially as described herein, and as shown in Figure 4.