GB2528142A - Method, data processing unit and system for managing a property - Google Patents

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a method of controlling resources of premises, in particular to control energy consumption. A method comprises receiving, at a data processing unit, information based on the output of at least one sensor 501, the sensor being associated with a part of the premises, and building, by the data processing unit, a premises usage profile based on the information 502. Subsequently, the operation of energy resources for the premises is controlled via one or more local energy controllers, based on the premises usage profile and, optionally, on the survey information 503. A method of detecting intrusions in premises based on comparison between received sensor information and a premises usage profile, and a method of managing energy resources based on occupancy information, sensor information and a property profile are also provided.

Description

METHOD. DATA PROCESSING UNITAND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING A PROPERTY

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to a method, data processing unit and system for controlling energy consumption of premises, to a method, a data processing unit and a system for detecting intrusions in premises and to a method, a data processing unit and a system for managing energy resources in a property. More generally, the present disclosure relates to a method, data processing unit and system for managing a property.

Description of Related Art

The "background" description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the present description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present invention.

Systems for managing energy resources consumption in a house are generally limited to simplistic actions such as turning the lights off when no movement has been detected in a room for a specific amount of time. However such a system is known to have limitations, when for example the lights are switched off despite a user still being in the room albeit not moving in the room. Other systems include a thermostat for controlling the heating in a house or a flat based on the temperature measured at the thermostat. However such a system also has limitations as it is unable to deal with temperatures varying differently in different rooms.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a method system or unit for managing a property in particular with a view to improving the control the energy consumption or energy resources of a property or for detecting intrusion.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the disclosure there is provided a method of controlling energy consumption of premises. The method comprising the steps of receiving, at a data processing unit, survey information based on the output of at least one sensor, the sensor being associated with a part of the premises; building, by the data processing unit, a premises usage profile based on the survey information; and controlling, via one or more local energy controllers, the operation of the energy resources of the premises based on the premises usage profile and, optionally, on the survey information. Accordingly, a data processing unit may optimise the controlling of the energy consumption of the premises based on the survey information received (or obtained), for example regularly, and based on a profile for the premises, wherein the profile itself is also based at least in part on survey information. The profile is built from survey information, where the building step may involve generating, creating and/or updating the profile using the survey information.

Advantageously, by building such a profile on the premises usage, the knowledge of how energy resources are used in the premises, how the premises are used and/or how the survey information is affected by changes in the energy resources utilisation in the premises can be grown and built upon thereby providing a unique position for controlling, managing or optimising energy consumption of the premises.

The method may further comprise outputting, by the at least one sensor, measurement information wherein the survey information is based on the measurement information; and transmitting the survey information to the data processing unit. The survey information is then based on or derived from at least measurements obtained from the one or more sensors. In examples, a sensor's output may include other types of information, for example status information (e.g. on/oft) or identity information (e.g. a user!s ID).

Controlling the operation of the energy resources may comprise: generating control commands for the one or more local energy controllers based on the premises usage profile and on the survey information; transmitting the control commands to the one or more local energy controllers; and changing, by the one or more controllers, the operation of one or more energy-consuming devices associated with the premises in accordance with the commands. The data processing unit may for example generate the control commands. The commands may thus be generated in one or more elements which can control operation of the local energy controllers. This for example enables a centralised decision-making element controlling operation of the energy resources based on the survey information and on the profile which can improve the energy-and time-efficiency. The centralised decision-making element can be the data processing unit which can therefore not only build the profile but also use the profile for generating commands controlling the energy controllers.

The method may comprise receiving user data information based on the output of at least one reporting unit, wherein the user data information relates to the premises' utilisation by at least one user. Building the premises usage profile can then be based on the user data information and controlling the operation of the energy resources of the premises can then be based on the user data information. A reporting unit may refer to, for example, a unit (including a sensor or not) which can report user data information such as a user's ID, a user's location, a user!s presence status, a users preference, etc. By taking this user data information into account when building the premises usage profile, the profile may belier reflect energy utilisation and/or energy preferences which are based on user-related configurations and/or preferences. For example, the energy consumption of the premises may be controlled differently depending on which user(s) are present or expected at the premises. Such a reporting unit may be one of a mobile device, an application or a security system element. These are other types of reporting units which may be providing useful information for building a more accurate and more meaningful premises usage profile. For example a mobile device or an application (an "app", software or computer program) may be configured to report localisation information for an identifiable user. A security system element may also for example be configured to report that a user has now activated or deactivated their security system, from which it can be derived that there is a high probability that this specific user has now left or entered the premises, respectively. The user data information comprises location information for a user indicating an estimated geographical localisation of the user. Such a geographical localisation of the user may be helpful not only when building the profile and the view on how the energy resources are used based on the users localisation, but also when controlling the energy resources as a controlling can be based on the geographical position of one or more use rs.

A sensor may for example be one of a light meter, a sound level meter, a heat sensor, a heat camera, a camera, a video camera, an infrared sensor, a motion detection sensor, a humidity sensor, a smoke detector, a temperature sensor, an air pressure sensor, an anemometer, a barometer and a rain sensor, or any other element which is configured to sense or detect signals (e.g. sound or light signals) or environmental conditions in the premises or in the vicinity of the premises. Such sensors may provide information which can be useful for determining the conditions in or in the vicinity of the premises and/or for determining how the premises are used.

The survey information may include survey information based on the output of at least a first sensor for detecting signals of a first type and a second sensor for detecting signals of the first type, and wherein the survey information comprises direction information for the source of the signals of the first type, the direction information being derived from the outputs of the first and second sensors. This direction information may be useful for building the profile and/or controlling the resources in the premises. For example, while it can be useful to use the output of a motion sensor to estimate whether one or more persons are present in the premises, it could also be useful to use the output of two motion sensors to estimate (i) whether one or more persons are present in premises and (ii) in which directions they are moving within the premises. For example, two motion sensors with an offset in the horizontal direction and placed near an entrance to a room can help determine whether movements detected correspond to a direction for entering the room or for leaving the room.

The premises may comprise at least one of a home, a house, a flat, a warehouse, a building, commercial premises, private-use premises, mixed-use premises, single-floor premises, and multiple floor premises. The term premises may refer to any suitable type of property or building.

The data processing unit may be remote from the premises. For example, the data processing unit may be operating from one or more of a standalone servers, a plurality of standalone servers, a distributed arrangement of server and a cloud environment. Such a remote data processing unit can have better processing capabilities and can therefore generate a more accurate and meaningful profile based on (at least) the survey information and also better control the energy resources of the premises. In other examples, the data processing units may be at least in part located within the premises.

The premises usage profile may comprise a pattern of use of spaces associated with the premises, the pattern associating or correlating a user behaviour with the operation of the energy resources of the premises. By associating or correlating a user behaviour with the operation of the energy resources, the data processing unit can control the operation of the energy resources based on a current user behaviour, for example by comparing the current user behaviour with user behaviours in the profile and, based on the outcome of this comparison, select or identify an energy resources operation with a view to tailoring the operation of the energy resources to the current user behaviour. The method can for example comprise learning, by the data processing unit, the use of spaces associated with the premises using the received survey information and past survey information; and updating the premises usage profile based on the learnt use of the spaces. In this example, the profile includes information based on the use of spaces associated with the premises (e.g. a room, an outdoor space,...) which can be learned from the survey information (and the user data information, if appropriate) which has been previously obtained. VMien new survey information is received, it can be used to improve the knowledge of a user's or users' behaviour with respect to the use of spaces associated with the premises and can also be used to control the resources based on the current use of spaces associated with the premises. A premises usage profile comprising a pattern of use of spaces associated with the premises may comprise at least one of: a pattern of use of spaces associated with the premises for a specific user (e.g. an employee for an office or a family member for a home); a pattern of use of spaces associated with the premises for a non-identified user (e.g. a digital); a pattern of use of spaces associated with the premises for a group of users (e.g. employees having security clearance, employees without security clearance, external visitors); and a pattern of use of spaces associated with the premises when unoccupied (e.g. when the sole resident is on holiday or at work during the day).

The premises usage profile may comprise an expected premises usage dependent on time. The profile may then reflect how the premises (and/or the energy resources of the premises) are used depending on time. For example, it may be expected that commercial premises for a shop will be unused and with the security system on from 8 PM until 6 AM; will be in a low energy consumption mode from 6AM until 8AM and from 7 PM until 8 PM when employees are on the premises but the shop is not open to the public; and will be in normal use mode from 8 AM until 7 PM. This expected premises usage does not prevent the actual operation of the energy resources from differing from the expected operation of the energy resources (which correspond to or is associated with the expected premises usage) if for example it is detected that the current premises usage differ from the expected premises usage. It may however improve the energy resources management in the premises, for example by using the energy resources in an optimised manner for the expected premises usage by default (e.g. by dropping the temperature in a bedroom at night, and by adjusting the energy resources utilisation if the premises are not used as expected (e.g. by increasing the temperature in the bedroom if it is detected that the bedroom's user is awake). For example, with an expected premises usage associated with a corresponding default mode of operation of energy resources of the premises, the method may also comprise: estimating, from the survey information, a current premises usage; determining whether the current estimated premises usage matches the expected premises usage; in the event that the estimated premises usage matches the expected premises usage, operating the energy resources according to the default mode of operation; and in the event that the estimated premises usage does not match the expected premises usage, operating the energy resources based on an ad-hoc mode of operation.

In this context, the term ad-hoc is intended to mean different from the default (mode of operation) and may for example be based on survey information and rules.

When the profile comprises an expected premises usage, the method may also comprise: detecting that the survey information does not correspond to the expected premises usage; identifying at least one anomaly between the survey information and the expected premises usage; and controlling the operation of the energy resources to output a notification based on the identified anomaly. By detecting anomalies, the method can be used not only to adjust to the unusual use of the premises but also to detect whether the anomaly presents a risk, for example a security risk.

When an unusual event or premises utilisation is detected, and when this event or utilisation is considered as being an anomaly (i.e. as not normal), a notification can be output in response to the anomaly. Some events or premises usage may be considered as normal even though they do not correspond to the expected behaviour (e.g. if a iesident unexpectedly wakes up and gets up during the night) while other events or premises use may be considered as abnormal (if for example movement is detected in a shop while it should be empty). For example the method may also comprise the steps of estimating a severity level for the anomaly and selecting the notification based on the severity level. An anomaly with a low severity level may for example be a room temperature unexpectedly rising by less than 2°C which may for example indicate a faulty radiator valve. An anomaly with a high severity level may for example be a room temperature unexpectedly raising by 5°C and a smoke detector being activated or a decrease in the light level in the same room which may for example indicate a fire. Another anomaly with a high severity level may for example relate to an intrusion: the detection of a user or person in a room when no known user has been detecting as entering the premises from an authorised entrance may indicate an intrusion in the premises. The notification can then be selected based on the severity level. For example, if it is suspected that a radiator valve is faulty, the notification may be an e-mail or a message on a display. If it is suspected that there is a fire or intrusion, the notification may be sounding an alarm, flashing inside or outside lamps, calling a user (voice or video), calling the police and/or emergency services, locking or unlocking doors or accesses the premises. For example, controlling the operation of the energy resources to output a notification based on the identified anomaly may comprise at least one of: operating a speaker associated with the premises; initialising a voice communication with a party; initialising a video communication with a party; operating a lighting device associated with the premises; and operating a security system device associated with the premises.

An energy controller may be configured to control at least one device, wherein a device is one of: an electric socket, a lamp, a radiator valve, a thermostat, a heating system, an air conditioning unit, a vent, a boiler, a humidifier, a de-humidifier, a window, a curtain, a blind, a shutter, a lock, a door, a gate, a speakerphone, a microphone, a radio, a television, a media centre, a game console, a computer, a camera, a video camera, a phone, a kitchen appliance, a bath, a hot water tank. More generally, a controller may control one or more of an energy-consuming device associated with the premises or a device that affects the energy consumption of the premises.

The controlling of the operation of the energy resources may comprise controlling the operating mode of an energy-consuming device wherein the operating mode of the device is one of at least: an "ON" mode, an "OFF" mode, an idle mode, and a specific power utilisation mode. For example, a lamp may be on or off, an air conditioning unit may be on with a target temperature or off, a microphone may be on, idle (for example switching to "on" when sounds above a threshold are detected) or off, etc. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a data processing unit for controlling energy consumption of premises. The data processing unit is configured to receive monitoring information based on the output of at least one sensor, the sensor being associated with a part of the premises; build a premises usage profile based on the monitoring information; control, via one or more local energy controllers, the operation of the energy resources of the premises based on the premises usage profile and on the monitoring information.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for controlling energy consumption of premises. The system comprises at least one sensor associated with a part of the premises; a data processing unit for controlling energy consumption of premises as discussed above; and one or more local energy controllers. The data processing unit is configured to receive the monitoring information based on the output of the at least one sensor. The one or more local energy controllers are configured to control the operation of the energy resources of the premises based on input received from the data processing unit. In some examples, the system may also comprise a communication unit connected to the at least one sensor which can for example provide communication means for the sensor to communicate (directly or indirectly) with the data processing unit.

The teachings provided above in respect of the method for controlling energy consumption of premises apply equally, taking into account any potentially necessary modifications (which the skilled person will be able to identify), to the data processing units for controlling energy consumption of premises and to the system for controlling energy consumption of premises.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of detecting intrusions in premises. The method comprises the steps of receiving survey information based on the output of at least one sensor associated with a part of the premises; comparing, at a data analysing unit, the survey information with a premises usage profile for the premises; and, when an anomaly is identified based on the comparison of the survey information with the premises usage profile, detecting an intrusion into the premises. The method also comprises updating the premises usage profile for the premises based on the received survey information. By updating the premises usage profile using the survey information and by comparing the survey information with the premises usage profile the premises, anomalies in the survey information may be identified wherein these anomalies correspond to an intrusion in the premises. The step of updating the premises usage profile for the premises based on the received survey information may be carried out before, after and/or during the comparing and detecting steps.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a data processing unit for detecting intrusions in premises. The data processing unit is configured to receive survey information based on the output of at least one sensor associated with a part of the premises; compare, at a data analysing unit, the survey information with a premises usage profile for the premises; and, upon identification of an anomaly based on the comparison of the survey information with the premises usage profile, detect an intrusion into the premises. The data processing unit is also operable to update the premises usage profile for the premises based on the received survey information.

According to an additional aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for detecting intrusions in premises. The system comprises at least one sensor associated with a part of the premises; a communication unit connected to the at least one sensor; and a data processing unit for detecting intrusions in premises as discussed above. The communication unit is configured to obtain survey information based on the output of the at least one sensor, and transmit the survey information to the data processing unit.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of managing energy resources in a property. The method comprises measuring, using one or more sensors, environmental parameters relating to the property or to its vicinity; obtaining occupancy information for the property; estimating an occupancy of the property based at least on the occupancy information; updating a property profile for the property based on the measured environmental parameters and estimated occupancy, wherein the property profile associates a property occupancy with a utilisation of energy resources of the property; and managing energy resources of the property based on the property profile, on the measured environmental parameters and on the estimated occupancy. Accordingly, the energy resources of the property can be managed or controlled so as to affect the environment of the property or of its vicinity based on the property profile (e.g. its thermal properties and utilisation profile), the measured/current/estimated environmental parameters (e.g. the temperature in one or more rooms, light levels in indoor or outdoor spaces) and on the estimated or predicted occupancy (e.g. empty, a user staying in one room, two users using three of five rooms,...). The occupancy information for the property may be obtained from one or more of outputs from one or more detectors associated with the property (e.g. a security system identifier, a facial recognition system,...) and localisation information originating from a personal device associated with a user of the property (e.g. localisation information from a mobile phone, a watch, wearable technology,...). The estimated occupancy may comprise one or more of a current estimated occupancy (e.g. user 1 is in the kitchen and user 2 is in the bathroom) and an estimation of a predicted future occupancy (e.g. user 1 is expected in the house by 7 PM based on his/her current localisation and traffic and user 2 is expected in the house by 8 PM -the usual arrival lime used in Ihe absence of localisation information).

According to a furlher aspect of Ihe invenlion, Ihere is provided a dala processing unit for managing energy resources in a property. The dala processing unit is configured to: obtain, via one or more sensors, environmenlal paramelers relating to the property or lo its vicinity; obtain occupancy information for the property; estimate an occupancy of the property based at least on lhe occupancy information; update a property profile for lhe property based on the oblained environmenlal parameters and eslimaled occupancy, wherein the properly profile associates a property occupancy wilh a utilisalion of energy resources of the property; and manage energy resources of the property based on the property profile, on the measured environmenlal paramelers and on the estimated occupancy. The data processing unil is lhis configured lo control energy resources of the property based on a profile parameters and occupancy and can therefore optimise the resources utilisation for Ihe property and adapt the use of the resources lo the user(s) based on their learned preferences (using Ihe profile) and on their current use of Ihe property (using the estimated occupancy).

According lo yet a further aspecl of the invention, there is provided a system for managing energy resources in a property. The system comprises one or more sensors configured to measure environmenlal parameters relating to the property or to ils vicinily; and a dala processing unit. The data processing unil is configured lo obtain the environmental paramelers; oblain occupancy information for Ihe property; estimale an occupancy of the property based al least on the occupancy information; updale a property profile for the property based on Ihe obtained environmenlal parameters and eslimaled occupancy, wherein the property profile associates a property occupancy wilh a utilisalion of energy resources of the property; and manage energy resources of the property based on the property profile, on the measured environmenlal paramelers and on the estimated occupancy.

This syslem may further comprise one or more controllers configured to manage energy resources of the property based on commands received from lhe data processing unit. The data processing unit may Ihen be operable to generale commands based on the property profile, on Ihe measured environmenlal parameters and on the estimated occupancy and lo lransmit the commands to the one or more controllers.

The teachings provided above in respect of the method for controlling energy consumption of premises apply equally, taking into account any potentially necessary modifications (which the skilled person will be able lo identify), to the method, data processing unit and system for delecting intrusions in premises and lo the method, dala processing unil and syslem for managing energy resources in a property.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of conlrolling energy resource usage in a property. The method comprises lhe sleps of receiving energy consumption information from one or more sensors associated with the property; processing said energy consumption information to generate an energy consumption profile for the property; and using the energy consumption profile to predict energy consumption within the property and controlling one or more energy consuming devices within the property based on the predicted energy consumption.

Viewed in another way the present disclosure involves receiving real-time environmental or energy usage information from a plurality of sensors, such as smart light or control switches, dispersed throughout a property or building.

The information can include information in the form of data indicating the amount and time of energy usage throughout the property as well as the spatial use of the rooms making up the property, again over time. This allows a complex model to be created indicating how and when energy is used in a property, for how long and furthermore where and in what sequence energy and/or rooms are used. The profile or model can be created over a period of time building a history of how energy is consumed in the property This building or property profile can be used in a variety of independent or synergistic ways as described in more detail below. For example the profile may be used to predict a user's typical energy usage throughout a property and may advantageously proactively control energy usage in the property in advance of a user having to manually operate a light or heating for example. In an alternative example the profile may be used to proactively manage energy consumption in a premises based on the historical data which is used to create the profile. It may for example be established that on working days Monday to Friday only certain rooms are used. A controlled may be adapted to limit energy usage to those areas e.g. not activating heating in rooms that are historically not used at these times according to the profile.

Thus, energy consumption can be radically reduced with no intervention by the user. The system learns the user's behaviour pattern and operates the property in an energy usage manner which most efficiently matches the user's normal energy demands.

In a still further application the spatial history of the profile may be used as an intruder alarm. For example if a room contains no door and the system identifies use of energy in a room (or the presence of a person) which is out of sequence with the normal historical profile; this may indicate that a window has been used to enter the room rather than a hallway.

The foregoing paragraphs have been provided byway of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein: Figure 1 provides a schematic representation of an example system in accordance with the present

disclosure;

Figure 2 provides a schematic representation of an example sensor-communication unit arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure; Figure 3 provides a schematic representation of another example sensor-communication unit arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure; Figure 4 provides a schematic representation of an example energy device-controller arrangement

in accordance with the present disclosure;

FigureS provides an illustration of an example method in accordance with the present disclosure; Figure 6 provides another illustration of another example method in accordance with the present

disclosure;

Figure 7 provides a schematic diagram illustrating an example message flowchart in accordance

with the present disclosure;

Figure 8 provides an example profile in accordance with the present disclosure; Figure 9 provides an example schematic property representation in accordance with the present

disclosure;

Figure 10 provides an example state diagram for different operation modes in accordance with the

present disclosure; and

Figure 11 provides a schematic representation of an example system in accordance with the

present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 provides a schematic representation of an example system in accordance with the present disclosure. This system comprises a house 10, a data processing unit 11 and a store 12. The house 10 comprises a variety of energy devices and sensors, namely: lamps 1-4 (101-104), radiators 1-3 (111-113), air conditioning unit 121, light sensors 1-2 (151-152), motion detectors 1-4 (161-164), temperature sensors 1-2 (171-172), humidity sensor 181 and weatherstation 191. The house 10 and data processing unit 11 are connected to each other, for example via the Internet as illustrated in Figure 1. The data processing unit 11 is connected to the store 12 which can for example store profile information in respect of the house 10. The representation of Figure 1 is intended to be a schematic presentation and the skilled person will understand that the physical implementation of the elements illustrated in Figure 1 made differ from their representation in Figure 1. For example, the data processing unit 11 may comprise a memory or store 12 and may interact with it in the same manner as with an external store 12 (as illustrated in Figure 1).

Likewise, even though not represented in Figure 1, the house 10 and data processing unit 11 may be connected in any suitable way, using for example any of or any combination of a wired connection, a wireless connection (including ZigBee, NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and/or mobile connections) and the connection may be at least in part over a public or private network.

The house 10 comprises elements which can be viewed as belonging to 2 different categories: sensors which make measurements based on their environment, and devices which can affect the operation of the energy resources of the house (so-called "energy devices" above).

The sensors may make measurements on their environment, i.e. survey their environment, on a number of aspects including at least visible light level, still images or videos, infrared light, motion detection, humidity, temperature, wind, air pressure, etc. Also, two or more sensors may be included in the same device as illustrated for example with the weather station 191 of Figure 1 which can make temperature, wind and humidity measurements. When two or more sensors are provided, their output can sometimes be combined to provide additional information. Two motion sensors located in the same area (i.e. in proximity, close to each other) can for example be used to detect not only motion, but also a possible direction of motion. The motion may be detected in a direction in a horizontal, vertical or oblique dimension. For example two motion sensors can be used to estimate whether movement detected is associated with a source (e.g. a person or a pet) probably entering or leaving a room. The same principle may be used with any sensor or detector or reporting unit which can be used for detecting an occupancy and/or utilisation of the premises, e.g. a light sensor or a sound monitor. Information regarding a direction of movement may also be obtained or derived from the output of a single sensor, detector and/or reporting unit. For example, a heat camera or a conventional camera may be used to detect movement and/or estimate a direction of movement. Also, in practice, a single unit or element may comprise a plurality of sensors, detectors or reporting units. For example, a single piece of surveillance equipment may include a video camera, a microphone/sound monitor and an alerting unit (configured to report when a presence is detected).

The energy devices are devices that use energy resources and/or affect how the energy resources are used. For example, an electric socket although not using energy resources itself can affect how energy is used (e.g. by preventing these devices from using electricity and can therefore be considered as an energy device. Additionally or alternatively to affecting the consumption of resources in the premises, the devices may also affect the environment in or in the vicinity of the premises. For example, a vent or a window may be open or closed to change the temperature and/or humidity in a room while not actively using energy resources. While some energy may be used to change the configuration of the vent or window (e.g. closed, ajar, partially opened or fully opened), the energy used can sometimes be minimal and, once the configuration has been changed, some devices can affect the environment in the premises and/or in the vicinity of the premises without using more energy. Miile the energy resources consumption for changing this configuration may be factored in when managing the resources of premises, such an energy device can be used mostly to optimise the use of the energy resources by using its environment-changing capabilities rather than to optimise the energy consumption of the device. For example, it may be determined that it would be more energy-efficient to open a window to reduce the temperature in a room than to use an air conditioning (NC) unit.

In the context of the present disclosure, the term energy refers to one or more of gas, electricity, water, solar power, wind power or any other energy source. For example, using a lamp will generally use electricity to change their luminosity in a room or space while using a radiator will generally use electricity and gas to change the temperature in a room or space (and we also affect the humidity in the room or space) or using a boiler can use water, electricity and gas to heat a hot watertank.

Figures 2 and 3 provide a schematic representation of two example sensor-communication unit arrangements in accordance with the present disclosure so as to illustrate possible implementation options. In the example of Figure 2, three sensors 201, 202 and 203 of a house 20 are all connected to a single communication unit 210 which can therefore provide connectivity to each of the sensors. For example, the communication unit 210 may be a modem, router, a device with mobile network connectivity (e.g. with a SIM card), or any other unit and arranged to enable the sensors to communicate with the Data Processing Unit ("DPU"). As mentioned above, the connection from sensors 201-203 to the DPU may be over a wired connection, a wireless connection or any combination thereof In the example of Figure 3, four sensors 301-304 associated with a house 30 can communicate with a DPU via communication units 311-313 where the various sensors are connected to the communication unit in different manners. Sensor 1 (301) is connected to communication unit 1 (311) with a 1:1 connection. That is, a single sensor is connected to a single communication unit. Sensor 2 (302) comprises a communication unit 2 (312) and therefore comprises the communication means for transmitting and/or receiving messages to or from the DPU. Sensor 3 (303) and sensor 4 (304) are connected to communication unit 3 (313) with a N:1 connection. That is, one or more sensors (N sensors) are connected to a single communication unit. The examples of Figures 2 and 3 are purely illustrative and any other communication means or arrangement for providing connectivity to the sensors may be used in

accordance with the present disclosure.

Figure 4 provides a schematic representation of an example energy device-controller arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure. As mentioned above, an energy device is a device that affects the energy consumption of the premises or property (house 40 in the example of Figure 4) either directly or indirectly. The configuration, operating mode and/or parameters are associated with the energy devices can be controlled or managed by a controller. In the example of Figure 4, three possible relative energy devices/controllers arrangements are illustrated. Energy devices 1A- 1C (401A-401C) and controller 1 (411) are connected with a N:1 connection, i.e. one or more energy devices are connected to a single controller. Energy device 2 (402) and controller 2 (412) are connected with a 1:1 connection, i.e. a single energy device is connected to a single controller.

On the other hand, energy device 3 (403) comprises a controller 3 (413). Of course, the arrangements of Figure 4 are purely illustrative and any other suitable arrangement for controlling an energy device may be used while remaining within the teachings of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 provides an illustration of an example method in accordance with the present disclosure.

At step S501, survey information based on the output of one or more sensors is received. Then, at step S502, the data processing unit -or DPU-builds a premises usage profile based on the survey information. Accordingly, the DFU can learn from server information how the premises are used and can store and maintain this information in a profile which can then be used for managing energy resources for the premises. Next, at step 5503, the operation of the energy resources of the premises are controlled by one or more local energy controllers and based on (i) the premises usage profile and (ii) the survey information. For example, in the example of private use premises, the profile may indicate that before 6 AM, if the main resident is moving or expected to move in the main corridor, the corridor's lights should be "on" and in a "dimmed" mode and after 6 AM, if the main resident is moving or expected to move in the main corridor, the corridor's lights should be on at a maximum power. Then, if it is detected from the survey information that the main resident is moving in a corridor, the lights in the corridor can be controlled accordingly. Also, the survey information may be used to update the profile. If for example it is detected from the survey information that the main resident is dimming the lights in the corridor when the time is before 6:30 AM, the profile can be adjusted accordingly. The survey information can include information derived from outputs (e.g. measurements) from the sensors, the detectors and/or reporting units.

Some or all of the survey information can be viewed as falling into one of two categories, either information relating to the environment of the premises and/or of its vicinity or information relating to the use and/or occupancy of the premises.

Information relating to the environment may for example include information regarding air temperature, floor or wall temperature, weather, sound, light levels, etc. Information relating to the use or occupancy of the premises may for example include information regarding movements in the house, use of lights in the house, user identification, user localisation, etc. It is noteworthy that some of the survey information may be falling into both categories. A measurement of a light level in a room may reflect both light coming from the outside and light coming from indoor lamps. As such, it can be used as information reflecting the environment in or around the premises and as information reflecting the use of the premises (e.g. whether a user makes use of indoor lamps).

Figure 6 provides another illustration of another example method in accordance with the present disclosure. At step S601 survey and location information is received. The location information may for example be received from a mobile phone or a watch associated with a user and providing an estimation of the users location. Next, at step 8602, the energy usage profile for the premises is updated based on the survey and location information. For example, by studying and processing the survey location information, a data processing unit can learn how the premises are used based on a variety of parameters including time (date, day of week, time-of-day,...), a user's calendar, a user1s location, a user's Estimated Time of Arrival, a configuration of one or more energy devices associated with the premises, a power mode of one or more energy devices associated with the premises, etc. Then, at step 8603, it is decided whether any action should be taken. This decision is based on the energy usage profile for the premises and on the survey and/or location information. If it is for example identified that, based on the current use of the premises (e.g. derived from the survey and/or location information), the configuration or mode of an energy device associated with the premises is not as expected or should be changed to prepare the premises for an expected future use or configuration, it may be decided at step 8603 to take action to adjust the use of the energy resources for the premises. On the other hand, if it is estimated that the use of the energy resources and/or energy devices associated with the premises is presently satisfactory (e.g. it corresponds to the profile for the premises), it can then be decided not to take any action at this stage.

If it is decided not to take any action at step S603, the method moves back to step S601 i.e. moves back to a monitoring state. If on the other hand, it is estimated that action should be taken, the method then moves on to step S604 where one or more energy resource control commands are being sent accordingly. For example, if it is estimated that the temperature in a room should be raised, a corresponding energy resources control command can be a command to a radiator valve to open the valve more and/or a command to a thermostat to increase the thermostat's temperature. Once any appropriate action has been taken, the method can return to step S601, i.e. to monitoring the premises' configuration and/or utilisation.

Even though in the example of Figure 6, step S602 is carried out before step S603, in other examples, it may be carried out after this step or in parrallel. For example, it may first be decided whether any action should be taken based on the survey and/or location information and based on the existing profile. The profile for the premises can be updated after this decision. If no action is to be taken, step 8602 can be carried out before returning to step 8601 while if it has been decided that one or more actions should be performed, step 8602 can be carried out before or after step S604 and can be carried out before returning to step 8601 (i.e. before returning to a monitoring state).

As the skilled person will understand from the present disclosure and in particular from the examples of Figures 5 and 6, a method of managing energy resources for premises will involve three aspects: (1) monitoring the premises which can include monitoring how the energy resources are presently used or managed and/or monitoring the occupancy of the premises (e.g. the presence or absence of one or more users including an expected future presence or absence of one or more users); (2) updating a profile for the premises wherein the profile can reflect how the energy resources are used or managed based on a variety of parameters and based on the outcome of the monitoring process; and (3) managing the energy resources of the premises based on the monitoring and updating processes above. The managing of the energy resources can for example involve controlling energy devices associated with the premises for example by sending energy resources control commands to the energy devices orto controllers associated with the energy devices.

A system of the present disclosure will gather data on and learn on how the energy resources are used in the premises. As a result, the system may be able to predict how the property and/or the energy resources in the premises may be used. For example, the system may be configured to calculate probabilities on how the property may be used with a view to controlling the energy resources using calculated probabilities.

Figure 7 provides a schematic diagram illustrating an example message flowchart in accordance with the present disclosure. In this example, one or more temperature sensors are associated with a property, a mobile phone is associated with a user of the property and two radiator valves (RV1, RV2) and an outside lamp are energy devices associated with the property. The temperature sensors measure or estimate temperature in a plurality of rooms of the property and measurement information indicating the measured temperature in three rooms (TR0OM1, TRO0M2 and TRQQM3) is sent to the data processing unit (DPU). The DPU may then use this information to update the property profile and/or to determine if any action should be taken. In the example of Figure 7, the DRU does not take any action in response to the measurement information. The DRU then receives location information for the user from the mobile phone which indicates that the user is travelling home on the M4 near Heathrow. Based on the location information, the DPU determines that the user is coming home and that its Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) is thoME. The ETA information can be an example of occupancy information for the property and determining this ETA may thus be part of monitoring the occupancy of the property. Later, the mobile phone sends another location update to the DPU (either directly or indirectly) about the user's new location (still on the M4 in the example of Figure 7). Based on the latest location information, the DPU can update the ETA accordingly. In the meantime, measurement survey information may still be received (directly or indirectly) from one or more sensors or detectors of the property. For example in Figure 7 measurement information regarding rooms 2 and 4 (TROOM2 and TROOM4) is sent to the DPU. Based on the property profile and on the ETA (derived from the location information), the DPU manages the temperature in the relevant rooms by sending commands. For example the DPU may have learnt (and find this information in the profile) that the most efficient way of increasing the temperature in room 1 to the target temperature is to start adjusting it is mm before the target time. Thus, in the example of Figure 7, the DPU sets the radiator valve RVI to 3 (of 5) minutes before the ETA. Likewise, the DPU can determine from the profile that the most efficient way to increase the temperature in room 2 is to start adjusting it S mm before the user arrives by setting the radiator valve RV2 to 2 (of 5). Also, the DPU can set up the outside lamp to be on 1 mm (or less) before the user arrives at the property for example to facilitate parking outside the property. The commands corresponding to the discussion above are illustrated in Figure 7.

Although not illustrated in Figure 7, the sensors and mobile phone may continue sending information to the DPU which can adjust the resources management accordingly.

Advantageously, the resources for the property may be managed in an optimal manner based on the use of the property, the property's characteristics, the user location, the property's occupancy, S the properly's current environmental parameters, etc. As a result, the use of the energy resources can be tailored and adapted to one or more users of the property while being more efficient at reducing the use of energy resources when possible. By using a data processing unit which can have very high processing capabilities, the resulting management can be better adapted to the user. As a result, the user is more likely to actually use the system rather than try to deactivate it or manually overwrite it. In other words, the energy savings and optimised management of the energy resources provided by the use of the DPU can still be fully benefited from. Conversely this may not be the case with a more limited management of energy resources as this would be likely to be less accurate and less efficient such that it is likely to be deactivated or ignored by the user(s) when in use.

Figure 8 provides an example profile in accordance with the present disclosure. This example profile includes entries for parts of the property: Room 1 (entry 801) and Room 2 (entry 802); for energy devices: Lampi (803) and Outside Lamp (804); behaviour information in a "normal behaviour profile" 811 and a "Holiday behaviour profile' 812; and operating modes in entry 821.

This profile contains different types of information such as characteristics of parts or all of the property (e.g. "temperature change profile), preferences associated with a room or a part of the property (e.g. "preferred occupied temperature" or "preferred unoccupied temperature"), energy consumption information of one or more energy devices (e.g. "power"), effect of changing the operating mode of an energy device (e.g. "room lux change") and information regarding the relative position or association of an energy device with a part of the property (e.g. "Room associated" for "Lampl "). The information provided in the profile may be more or less complex.

Even though in the example of Figure 8 only one power value has been indicated, the present disclosure is not limited to this example and an energy device may be associated with one or more power consumption values or value ranges, each associated with a mode or configuration. For example a television may be associated with a (average or expected) power consumption when off (0, a standby power consumption (20 or when on (350.

In other examples, the profile may also contain information or entries regarding sensors, detectors or reporting units. Such an entry may include information such as the type of information detected or reported (e.g. localisation, temperature, humidity, etc.), location information (e.g. an absolute position or a room or part of the property it is associated with), and/or a reliability level.

The normal behaviour profile 811 illustrates a possible utilisation or behaviour profile which reflects how the property is used based on the date and/or time and how this may affect the energy resources utilisation of the property. In this example, during weekdays, userl generally sleeps from 23:00 until 6:00 and leaves the property at 7:15. Most days the house is empty until the user returns home at 18:00, apart from Friday when the house is occupied by a pet identified as peti.

The profile is then based on the learning that userl generally uses the house in dinner mode" from 18:00 until 20:00 and in TV mode from 20:00 until 22:00. On the other, the system may have learnt that there is no expected routine for the weekend. For example the user may sometimes be away all weekend or one day, may be on his own or with friends other weekends and his time in or out of the property may vary greatly. In this case, the profile may be set up so that the energy resources are managed in a "dynamic mode" that is, in response to survey and/or location information and user preferences (learnt or configured). For example, if it is estimated that the user is watching the television, the resources management can be carried out in dynamic mode, or the resources may be managed without a specific mode but on a per-room or per-occupancy basis. If for example a user is detected in a room, the temperature and lighting in the room may be managed to reach a preferred level for when occupied. When the user is no longer detected in the room, the temperature and lighting may be adjusted accordingly.

The profile may also include one or more additional behaviour profiles, for example an away behaviour profile" or holiday behaviour profile" 812 which can be used in an other situation than normally expected. The optional use of additional profiles may be useful in particular for security purposes and applications (see below) or for commercial premises where the energy management and security can be set up differently when visitors are expected on the premises for example.

The profile may also include operating modes 821 which define the parameters or targets for controlling the resources of the premises. These modes may include targets as illustrated in Figure 8. A target can define an expected temperature, light level, water temperature, or any other tamet environmental parameter or an energy device configuration (e.g. started, warmed up, turned off, etc.). The mode can also define expected survey or localisation information to be received. In entry 821, in "sleep mode" it is expected that no movement should be detected in the downstairs of the property as the user is sleeping upstairs. A parameter may be for example a configuration parameter for an energy device (e.g. a selling for a radiator valve).

In the illustration of Figure 8, the information forming the usage profile has been organised in an example manner but in other manners, this information may be arranged or organised in any other

suitable manner.

For example, Figure 9 provides an example schematic property representation in accordance with the present disclosure which can be part of a property profile. This representation illustrates three parts of a property: Roomi (910), Room2 (920) and an Outside area (900). In this representation, an area or part associated with the property is associated with one or more sensors, detectors or reporting units and with one or more energy devices. "TEMP' sensors refer to TEMPerature sensors, HUM" to HUMidity sensors, LUX" to light sensors, "MOT" to MOTion detectors and "WIND" to wind detectors. For the energy deces illustrated in Figure 9, "RV refers to Radiator Valve, LAMP" to a lamp, A/C" to an Air Conditioning unit, BLINDS to window blinds and GATE' to a gate (e.g. to access a driveway). Dotted lines have been added to represent how a change in the configuration or operating mode for an energy device can affect the outputs of the sensors or detectors represented in Figure 9. For example, the system can learn or be configured to know that by changing the gate's position to open" or "closed", MOTO associated with the outside area 900 will detect motion. Additionally, the system can also optionally learn what MOTO's output (or survey information derived from MOTO's output) it should expect when the gate's configuration has been changed. The system may thus be able to compare the output or survey information with the corresponding expected output or survey information, respectively, and can thus detect any anomalies or unexpected output/survey information and deal with the unexpected output/information accordingly. As illustrated in Figure 9, the operating mode and/or configuration of A/Cl can affect the temperature and humidity levels measured by TEMP1 or HUM1 in the same room, the operating mode and/or configuration of LAMP1 or LAMPO can affect the luminosity levels measured by LUXO, LUX1 or LUX2 in the same or different areas and operating BLINDS2 can also affect the luminosity levels measured by LUX2. Although not illustrated in Figure 9, the system can also in some examples learn how or whether a combination of outside wind and temperature can affect the temperature in or more inside spaces. For example, the system may be able to learn how to estimate the speed at which the inside temperature will change in one or more inside areas (if no heating or cooling is used) based on an inside-outside temperature difference and on a wind speed and/or direction -as the wind may accelerate the heat transfer between the inside and outside areas. Accordingly, the system can then adjust the controlling of heating and/or cooling accordingly to try to reach a desired temperature and/or humidity, for example using a little energy resources as possible.

More generally, the system can learn or be configured to know how the controlling of an energy device can affect the survey information (and possibly the corresponding outputs) received from any sensor, detector or reporting unit wherein the sensor, detector or reporting unit may be in the same or in a different area or space associated with the property than the controlled energy device.

As the skilled person will understand, the representation of Figure 9 is a possible logical representation of the property and its sensors, detectors or reporting units and energy devices and of their possible interactions and relative positions. However, as the skilled person will understand, any other suitable logical representation of the relevant elements may be used when implementing the present invention.

Figure 10 provides an example state diagram for different operation modes in accordance with the present disclosure. Various modes are included: occupied userl mode 1001 (e.g. when the resident is active in the property); sleep mode 1002 (e.g. when the resident is asleep in the property); TV mode 1003 (e.g. when the resident is watching the television or a movie); pet only mode 1004 (e.g. when the resident is not in the property but one or more pets are still in the premises); empty mode 1005 (e.g. when no resident, pet or visitor is using the property); occupied more users mode 1006 (e.g. when the resident has visitors in the property). In some examples, an intrusion mode 1010 may even be provided.

Transitions from one mode to another may be based on a specific event (e.g. wake-up" event 1050), outputs from sensors or reporting units, monitoring information, specific times (e.g. an S expected change of mode or use of the property based on the file), etc. The dotted-line transitions represent the transitions that may be provided when an intrusion mode is available. It may desirable to have such a transition from every other mode (as illustrated in Figure 10) so that intrusions may be detected from every other (non-intrusion related) mode.

Figure 8-10 represent different aspects and the managing of the energy resources and/or devices for the purpose of illustrating the types of information that may be used in accordance with the present disclosure. Accordingly, the information to be used or available to be used for controlling energy resources of the premises may include all or some of the information discussed with respect to Figures 8-10 and may also include additional information if appropriate.

Figure 11 provides a schematic representation of an example system in accordance with the present disclosure. This example system includes (at least) one sensor or detector 1101 and (at least) one reporting unit 1102, both in communication with DPU 1103. The DPU 1103 is itself also in communication with (at least) two energy devices 1104 and 1105. As schematically represented in Figure 11, Survey Information ("SI") 1111 -based on the output of sensor/detector 1101-is obtained at the DPU 1103 while User Data Information ("UDI") 1112 -based on the output of reporting unit 1102-is obtained at the DPU 1103. The UDI can also sometimes be referred to as reporting information as at least some of it originates from reporting units. The DPU 1103 is configured to use the obtained information to update the profile 1121 for premises. The DPU 1103 is also configured to use the SI 1111, UDI 1112 and profile 1121 to control energy resources in the premises. In the example of Figure 11 the PDU 1103 uses the obtained information and profile to generate control commands which are transmitted to energy devices 1104 and 1105. In some examples, the PDU 1103 can send the commands directly to the energy devices while in other examples, the PDU 1103 can send the commands to another element or unit which is configured to send the commands to the relevant individual energy devices.

Updating of the profile and controlling of the energy device can be performed sequentially in any order or in parallel. In one example, they are performed in parallel. The controlling of the energy devices can then be based on the old (non-updated) profile, so as to avoid delaying the energy devices management, while the updating of the profile is carried out in parallel so as to generate a new profile if necessary. By operating in this manner, the calculation for updating the profile would not hold the energy resources management up.

By gathering a very large amount of data ("big data) from sensors, detectors and/or reporting units associated with a property and by processing this large amount of data, the DPU may build a complex understanding of how the property is used, how it is affected be the operation of energy devices, outside conditions or any other relevant factor, and can thus manage the energy resources andlor energy devices with a view to (1) meet the property user's or user' expectations and (2) reduce the amount of energy resources used or needed to meet these expectations. Even though meeting the user's or users' expectation may first be seen as simply providing a commercially satisfactory service, achieving this has in fact bearings in achieving (2) mentioned above. In effect, existing services do not provide the means for using a large amount of data and are thus generally not complex enough to accurately manage resources based on an actual use of premises can be expected to be relatively complex. In contrast, existing systems provide limited advantages. Many of the existing systems are limited to a type of energy utilisation or energy devices (e.g. lighting) and will provide some energy utilisation optimisation (e.g. turning the lights off if no movement is detected during a period) and are unable to provide any further optimisation or to deal with complex behaviour or premises' utilisation. For example, if a user remains a room but does not move, the lights will be turned off despite the user still being there. Using the same example, in accordance with the present disclosure, if it is determined that a user is leaving the living room to go to bed in their bedroom, the system can not only turn an lights in the living room immediately (thereby providing a first energy saving), but can also turn the heating down in the leaving room taking into account the outside conditions (thereby providing a second energy saving) and turn the hot water system off (thereby providing a further energy saving). As a result, in accordance with the present disclosure, a very complex management of a variety of resources and energy devices can be controlled by cross-correlating monitoring information and by using historic information so as to build a view or profile reflecting how the property is used. As a result, it has been made easier to meet the user's or users' satisfaction such that the user is unlikely to de-active the system or to manually overwrite it (thereby preventing the system from saving energy as it would). Therefore achieving (1) is in fact critical in achieving (2).

It is noteworthy that, by cross-correlating information from different or different types of sensors, detectors or reporting units, the DF'U may make more informed decisions and using for example an estimation of the property's occupancy. Using the example above of automatically turning the lights off, with a system according to the present invention, the DPU can determine that even though no movement is currently detected in the room, as the user has still no left the room, it is not appropriate to switch the lights off. Determining that the user has not left the room may be based for example on analysis of output from motion sensors near a room exit, output from a camera (e.g. visible light, infrared or heat camera), location information from a reporting unit, etc. Advantageously, the use of such a large amount of information obtained from a variety of sensors, detectors or reporting units and collected along a long period in time enable a smart and efficient management of resources and devices associate with the premises.

Also, existing systems are mainly based around a decision-making unit based in the property and could thus not be adapted to achieve the same results as this would result in an arrangement where either the property-based unit will have limited computing capabilities or it will have an advanced computing capabilities but will then use too much electricity to operate (especially considering that each unit should be replicated in every property). It is in contrast much more energy efficient to use a DPU as discussed in the present disclosure which may for example be managing a plurality of properties such that the computing resources are shared and energy consumption is also thereby optimised.

A number of example use cases are discussed below to illustrate example of how energy resources can be managed in a property in accordance with the present disclosure. These examples are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As the skilled person will understand, they illustrate only specific aspects with a view to providing a clearer and more concise description but any of the various aspects, features and options discussed in these examples (and in the remainder of the present disclosure) may be combined in any suitable manner, so long as this combination is technically achievable.

Example 1 -dynamic management of heating, lighting and multimedia appliances In this example the energy resources and/or energy devices are still managed based on the property profile but are not managed based on an expected use of the premises corresponding to a user's behaviour (or users' behaviour). The DPU may for example have updated the profile to reflect that when a user is in the living room, the user prefers a temperature between 18°C and 20°C and, when outside of the room, a temperature of about 15°C. In this example the system may not know -or make use of-an expected behaviour such that it cannot be anticipated when the user will be in the living room, or not much in advance. When however the system detects that the user is using another room (e.g. showering, asleep,...) the system can decide to change the temperature to the preferred unoccupied temperature and to turn all of the lights in this room off Conversely, when it is detected that the user is likely to use the living room, the heating system can be controlled to increase the temperature in the living room.

As the skilled person will understand, the DPU can build the property profile using at least association between certain events or information and a target configuration or management of resources of devices. For example, when two combined motion sensors can provide an indication of a user's direction with respect to a room (e.g. "coming in" or "leaving'), the DPU may learn that "coming in" is associated with the lights being on and the room being occupied and "leaving" with the lights off and the room being unoccupied. Even though the system may not know -or use information regarding-when the user is expected to enter or leave the room based on an expected routine, it can managed the lights (and possibly the heating) based on information regarding the room being occupied.

In situations where the user's behaviour may be difficult to predict, it may be preferable to use an ad-hoc or dynamic management of the resources with a view to avoiding using unnecessary resources of the predicted user's requirements later prove to be inaccurate. On the other hand, if the use of the premises can be estimated with a high level of confidence, it may be preferable to manage the resources and devices based on an expected use.

As an illustration, as raising the temperature in a room can take time, the decision to raise the temperature in a room can be taken before the actual expected use of the room so that the temperature has preferably reached the target temperature before it is used. If however the use of the routine is difficult to predict and the heating is managed in a dynamic mode, the decision to heat the room may be taken at an early stage when it is still unclear if the room will actually be used. If the room is not used in the end, then unnecessary energy would have been used. If however the use of the premises is difficult to predict but the system still operates in an expected use mode (or prediction mode), the system is likely to manage the system based on an expected use which differs -possibly significantly-from the actual use and may thus also use unnecessary resources and/or not manage the property to the user's satisfaction. In other words, depending on the situation, one of the dynamic mode or the expected use mode can be expected to yield the best results. The decision to use one or the other mode (or another mode) may be made based on learning from past monitoring information (survey and/or user data information) when the use of property is likely to correspond to a pattern, may be based on a user input and/or on current monitoring information (if for example it transpires that the property is not used as it is generally expected, the system may leave an expected use mode to use a dynamic mode).

Example 2 -management of heating and communications based on an expected use In this example, a property use profile has been built from past monitoring information and is used for controlling heating and communications in or around the premises. For example, it is known that a user is expected home at 7 PM and all heating may be turned off before that time while all phone calls to the fixed telephone lines can be redirected to the answering machine after a few rings only. If it expected that the rooms the user will use upon arrival take about 15 minutes to heat to the target temperature, the heating devices will be controlled so as to start heating these rooms from 6.45 PM (e.g. the boiler is configured to "heating ON" and the radiator valves in the relevant rooms are set up so as the radiators start heating the rooms. After 7PM, phone calls to the fixed lines may be allowed to ring for longer before they are redirected to the answering machine while a microphone/speakerphone system may be activated to allow the use to take the call hands-free. In contrast, the hands-free system would have to otherwise always be on and, with the present disclosure it can only be on when it is estimated that the user will be able to make use of the hands-free system and possibly only when a phone call is received.

As the skilled person will understand, in some examples, only some devices and/or types of resources will be managed in a "dynamic" mode and while others will be managed in an "expected use" mode. For example, the use of certain rooms may be predictable with a high degree of confidence while others may not have an easily predictable utilisation. As a result, resources and/or energy devices in one room may be managed in a dynamic manner while resources and/or energy devices in another room may be simultaneously managed in an expected use mode. In some cases, some energy devices may be managed in a prediction mode while others will be managed on a dynamic mode, for example based on the type of device, type of resources used, learnt behaviour, manual configuration, etc. For example, devices or resources relating to heating and lighting may be managed in a prediction mode while devices or resources relating to hot water and multimedia may be managed in a dynamic mode. Advantageously, in view of the amount of information that can be obtained from a variety of devices and for extended time periods, the system can learn how best to manage the resources and devices, and can learn from its own mistakes, taking into consideration a large number of parameters including one or more of the user(s), the time or date, the mode (dynamic, prediction or other) -in addition to the monitoring information (i.e. the survey and/or reporting information).

Example 3-waking-up routine Another example use case is a waking up routine: the DPU can prepare the property for a user waking up which may include for example: -Heating the bedroom to a day+occupied temperature so that the target temperature is reached when user wakes up; -Heating the bathroom and hot water tank so that they are ready when the user is expected to use them; -Slowly increasing the luminosity in the bedroom to a target luminosity which may involve controlling one or more lamps and/or blinds; and -Slowly increasing the volume of a sound system in the bedroom.

Accordingly, the user may be slowly awakened with the lights and music at the usual waking up time and the relevant rooms in the house may be ready for when the user awakes.

Example 4 -detection of anomalies with respect to the profile Additionally, regardless of the mode used for managing resources, the system may be operable to detect anomalies in comparison to the profile (which may or may not include a "normal behaviour" or expected use" profile or information). For example, based on the profile for the property, it may be expected that the kitchen will only be occupied by a user if the room leading to the kitchen has been occupied before (regardless the availability of any information regarding at what time a specific user may be expected to the kitchen or the other room). Therefore, if movement is detected in the kitchen while no movement has previously been detected in the other room, this may be identified as an anomaly.

Another type of anomaly" may for example be detected when it is expected that a user coming in a room will wish to have the lights on and the user does not turn the lights on (or turn them off if they are automatically switched on). In this example, the user's behaviour does not correspond to what had previously been learned and is therefore detected as an anomaly. This anomaly may reflect an intrusion (trying to keep the lights off to avoid attracting attention, or simply the user using the romm's lights differently at this point in time. In another example, it may be expected that by selling a radiator valve on "3" of 5, the temperature in the room will be of 20°C. If the temperature does not reach 20°C even when the valve is on "3", a notification may be made to the user to alert him that the valve may be faulty. This may involve for example a text message, an email or a message via an application (or app for smartphones).

Depending on the type or severity of the anomaly, the system may treat the anomaly differently.

For example the DPU may estimate whether the anomaly is simply the user using the system in an unexpected but normal way, if the anomaly should be used for updating the profile, if the anomaly should be considered as a "on-off' type of event, if anomaly may reflect an instruction or another security risk, if the anomaly may result from the user having possible fallen or lost consciousness and/or if the anomaly is of an undetermined category. Accordingly the DPU may update the profile and/or control the energy devices in the appropriate manner.

For example, the DPU may simply update the profile without changing its controlling of the energy devices; may sound an alarm and make a phone call to a user or emergency services (e.g. police or ambulance); or may prompt the user in order to learn about the anomaly.

Anomalies may also be detected in respect of the expected or normal use of the premises: if the user was previously coming home from work at about 7 PM the DPU detects that the user appears to now be coming at 7.30 PM, the DPU can adjust the expected arrival time to 7.30 PM. In one example it will change the time from 7 PM to 730PM once the expected arrival time of 7.30 PM reaches a certain degree of confidence while in another example, the DPU may gradually be changing the arrival time as the DPU can increase its confidence level in the arrival time of 7.30 PM.

Example 5 -Holiday mode In one example, the DPU may use a "holiday mode" to control the use of the resources and devices associated with the premises while the user is on holiday.

For example, the lights may be turned on in selected location so as to give the impression that premises are currently used and the heating may be turned off. On the other hand, the property may be monitored to ensure that the temperature in the premises does not fall under 0°C so as to avoid damages to pipes and, advantageously, can achieve this without having the heating always on. In holiday mode, a smaller amount of information may also be reported to the DPU. For example, motion detector information may be reported as usual while the sensors or detectors for environmental measurements may reduce their frequency of reporting.

Also, the holiday mode may be configured until a return time and/or date and the DPU may prepare the house for the user's return. For example, if it may take a few hours to heat some rooms to a preferred occupied temperature, the DPU may control the energy devices so that the heating of these rooms starts early enough.

Also, when on holiday mode, anomalies may automatically be treated as having a high severity level and may also automatically be treated as security-or intrusion-related anomalies.

Example 6-use for security purposes As mentioned above, the teachings of the present disclosure may be used to control energy device not only for managing the use of energy resources but also in addition to -or as an alternative to-providing security services. For example, by learning how the premises are used (see for example above the discussion of learning that movement should be detected in a room leading to the kitchen before movement is detected in the kitchen), the DPU can detect security risks and deal with them accordingly. For example, it may be detected that a person is currently in the property while the user's location is away from the property and no other authorised user has been detected in the property or its vicinity. The DRU may learn that a person walking to the front door and then walking away at about 10.30 AM is generally the postman and that his shouldn't trigger an alert. If however the person detected in the property or its vicinity does not correspond to an expected user, then a notification may be generated.

Such a notification may for example be the sounding of an alarm, controlling a communication system or device to place a call to the normal resident so that the resident can engage with whoever may be in or around the property or a call to the police to alert them of an intrusion. The notification may also be selected based on an estimated severity level for the detected anomaly.

For low severity alerts (e.g. someone using a private driveway but remaining at a safe distance from the property), the user may be sent an email or message include one or more images retrieved from the security system or a video clip. For high severity alerts, a loud alarm may be sounded, the neighbours may be notified, the user may be notified and the police may be called, an outside lamp (e.g. normally used for lighting a driveway) may be flashed if the outside luminosity is low -in addition to sending photos or videos captured by the security system to the user. In general any suitable notification which may help deter the intruder from staying in the area and/or attract attention to the property and/or call for help may be used as appropriate.

Example 7 -optimising energy consumption and billing Additionally, as the DPU has a unique view on how the energy resources are used in the premises, for example how much and when, this information can be used for optimising when to use the resources based on an associated billing plan (e.g. do certain operations at night if more cost- efficient) or for determining which other billing plan -from the same or a different energy supplier-may be most appropriate for the user to reduce the energy costs (in addition to already reducing the costs by using less energy).

Example 8 -smart switches The system and method of the present disclosure may be implemented using smart switches.

Advantageously, where conventional switches are generally placed on a wall, a smart switch may be used which includes one or more sensors in addition to the light switch. For example, the smart switch may include a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature in the room. Additionally, the smart switch may include two motion sensors, one on each side (in the horizontal direction) so as to detect movement and possibly a direction associated with the movement. Also, because light switches are generally positioned close to a room entrance/exit, including a pair of motion sensors in a smart light switch can be useful for estimating whether someone has entered or left the room.

By including the sensors in the light switches, this can provide a first network of sensors throughout the property which are advantageously positioned close to the rooms' entrances and which can monitor at least temperature, light settings and movement in the property.

S Possible Variations, modifications and generalisations As previously mentioned, the discussions of the example systems, DPUs and methods are not intended to be limiting and any possible combination of features from any of the different examples (illustrated or not) discussed herein are fully within the scope of the present disclosure. Some further variations or clarifications are provided below.

The terms property and premises have been interchangeably and may refer to any suitable type of place, regardless of its use and including -but not limited to-a house, a flat, a single-storey or multi-storey property (e.g. duplex), a building, a warehouse, an office, a hotel, a conference centre, etc. and may also include outside space such as a garden, a driveway, a terrace, etc. Likewise, when a room or a part of the premises is mentioned in the present disclosure, the corresponding teachings apply equally to any appropriate part of the property, such as a room, a group of rooms, a corridor, an outside space, an inside space, a wall, etc...

The DPU may be able to learn about the use of the property and about its energy consumption by analysing the monitoring information on different area levels. For example, it can analyse the information on a per room (or group of rooms) basis while simultaneously analysing also the information on a per floor (or group of floors) basis, for the same or different type of monitoring information and/or energy device management..

The terms sensor and detector can also be interchanged (e.g. "motion sensor" or motion detector") and refer to any unit which senses or detects something, for example movement or a signal, which can generate an output accordingly. Some sensors are more likely, in use, to generate an output regardless of any changes (e.g. a temperature sensor can report regularly on the temperature even if unchanged) while others are more likely to generate an output when an event happens (e.g. a motion sensor may generate most if not all of its outputs when movement is detected).

In the context of the present disclosure, the expression "reporting unit" has been used to refer to units which report other type of information, for example user data information such as localisation information. For example, a mobile phone with an "app" installed onto it may report the user's location (or at least the phone's location). Likewise, a watch may report on the user's location or his/her direction of travel. Other reporting units may have a fixed location. For example, a security system element for activating or deactivating an alarm (e.g. using a code, a fingerprint or a fob) may report to the DPU that a user has activated/deactivated the alarm and may possible also be configured to report some form of user identification at the same time. A face recognition system may also provide one or more reporting units which can report the presence of users and, if the user is known and recognisable, identify the reported users. Another example of reporting unit is a meter, such as a water, gas or electricity meter. By receiving reports from an electricity meter, the DPU may be able to analyse how decisions made and changes made to the management of energy devices can affect the use of the electricity in the property.

In the examples above, the management of the property via energy devices associated with it has been described in relation to a dynamic mode and a prediction mode however the present disclosure is not limited to these two modes and, for example, a manual mode may be used where the DPU may continue to receive monitoring information and leam from this information but will not actively manage the energy device. This mode may for example be useful for the DPU to build a profile before it starts managing the resources and/or energy devices.

Additionally, the management of the resources and/or energy devices may also be based on manual inputs where the manual inputs may be made (directly or indirectly) to the DPU or directly or indirectly to the energy devices controllers. For example, if a user wishes to change from "normal use" of the premises to "holiday use" of the premises, he may input this information (e.g. via an app or an input devices of the premises) to configure the property management accordingly.

The user may also be able to send input to the energy devices controllers where this inputs can take precedence over control commands from the DPU. For example, despite the DPU only dimming the lights when a resident gets up during the nights, the resident may wish to use the full power of the relevant lamps and adjust this accordingly. User inputs may also be valuable for improving the learning process of the DPU. If for example the DPU is uncertain about the preferred use of the premises or is configured to generally obtain confirmation from the user before making significant changes, it can notify the user of a planned change for the profile with a view to obtaining the user's agreement. The DPU may also suggest a plurality of possible changes to the profile so that the user can select the one which he believes is the most accurate.

Accordingly, the controlling of the energy resources and/or the updating of the property profile may be based on user inputs which may be collected from one or more of: an input via an application (e.g. an "app") on a computing device, a voice command, an input via a control panel unit associated with the premises, etc. These inputs may be used for learning, for configuring the system (e.g. if the system is set up to wake the user up at 7PM and the user wants to switch the alarm off ot set it to an earlier/later time), or for generating monitoring information (e.g. after authenticating a user via a security system device).

If the DPU or system is configured to control the energy resources based at least in part on probabilities, the probabilities can reflect the likelihood of the energy resources being used in one or more different possible ways. The probabilities can thus reflect the likelihood of one or of a plurality of predicted scenario to be relied on. In some examples the controlling of the energy resources may be based on the most probable use of the energy resources and/or on probabilities being higherthan a minimum threshold.

The term computing device used in the present disclosure is intended to include for example a computer, a laptop, a table, a smartphone, a phone, a smart watch or any other suitable computing device. A control panel may also be provided, for example for displaying the current configuration of the property management system, alerting or notifying a user/resident, prompting a user for input, etc. In the present disclosure, whenever a "user" is mentioned, the user may be a human being (e.g. a resident, a resident's friend, an office worker, etc.) or a non-human being (e.g. a dog, a cat or a robot). The DPU may learn to recognise the pattern of use of the premises which can emerge depending on the user in the premises. If for example the user is a resident, the movement detected is likely to be different from that of a robot vacuum cleaner and the resident will generally expect a certain level of luminosity in a room while the robot vacuum cleaner may not require any specific luminosity. This example also illustrate the difference with conventional systems which would turn the lights on when a robot vacuum cleaner is operating but would turn the lights off if a user is present but immobile.

As mentioned above, the energy controllers are elements which are configure to control, manage or change the operating mode of one or more energy devices. For example, a thermostat controller may be configured to set a minimum temperature (under which heating should be used) and a maximum temperature (above which A/C should be used). Figure 4 and its discussion in the present description illustrate in a non-limiting manner possible relative arrangements of controller and energy devices.

Also, when the term "local" is used, it is intended to mean located in the premises or in its vicinity.

For example, a water meter which is outside a house in a street area beyond the property may still be considered as a local energy device which may be associated with a local controller (e.g. located with the meter or in the house area). On the other hand, a remote element is an element which is not located in the property or its vicinity. For example, a computer program running on server in a cloud environment would be considered as remote.

Additionally, the terms "location" information and "localisation" information have been interchangeably in the present disclosure and refer to any location information, such as a geographical position, a distance to another location, an estimated or know location, a point or an area on a map, etc. Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. It will be appreciated that features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims.

Thus, the foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely example embodiments of the present invention. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof Accordingly, the disclosure of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting of the scope of the invention, as well as other claims. The disclosure, including any readily discernible variants of the teachings herein, define, in part, the scope of the foregoing claim terminology such that no inventive subject matter is dedicated to the public.

Claims (40)

1. CLAIMS1. A method of controlling energy consumption of premises, the method comprising the steps of: receiving, at a data processing unit, survey information based on the output of at least one S sensor, the sensor being associated with a pail of the premises; building, by the data processing unit, a premises usage profile based on the survey information; and controlling, via one or more local energy controllers, the operation of the energy resources of the premises based on the premises usage piofile and, optionally, on the survey information.
2. 2. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises: outputting, by the at least one sensor, measurement information wherein the survey information is based on the measurement information; and transmitting the survey information to the data processing unit.
3. 3. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein controlling the operation of the energy resources comprises: generating control commands for the one or more local energy controllers based on the premises usage profile and on the survey information; transmitting the control commands to the one or more local energy controllers; and changing, by the one or more controllers, the operation of one or more energy-consuming devices associated with the premises in accordance with the commands.
4. 4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the generating of the control commands comprises the data processing unit generating the control commands.
5. 5. A method according to any preceding claim, the method comprising: receiving user data information based on the output of at least one reporting unit, wherein the user data information relates to the premises' utilisation by at least one user; wherein building the premises usage profile comprises building the premises usage profile based on the user data information; and controlling the operation of the energy resources of the premises comprises controlling said operation based on the user data information.
6. 6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the reporting unit is one of a mobile device, an application or a security system element [other non-sensor reporting units.
7. 7. A method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the user data information comprises location information for a user indicating an estimated geographical localisation of the user.
8. 8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein a sensor is one of a light meter, a sound level meter, a camera, a video camera, an infrared sensor, a motion detection sensor, a humidity sensor, a smoke detector a temperature sensor, an air pressure sensor, an anemometer, a barometer and a rain sensor.
9. 9. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the survey information includes survey information based on the output of at least a first sensor for detecting signals of a first type and a second sensor for detecting signals of the first type, and wherein the survey information comprises direction information for the source of the signals of the first type, the direction information being derived from the outputs of the first and second sensors.
10. 10. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the premises comprise at least one of a home, a house, a flat, a warehouse, a building, commercial premises, private-use premises, mixed-use premises, single-floor premises, and multiple floor premises.
11. 11. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein data processing unit is remote from the premises.
12. 12. A method according to claim 11 wherein the data processing unit is operating from one or more of a standalone server, a plurality of standalone servers, a distributed arrangement of server and a cloud environment.
13. 13. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the premises usage profile comprises a pattern of use of spaces associated with the premises, the pattern associating a user behaviour with the operation of the energy resources of the premises.
14. 14. A method according to claim 13, the method comprising learning, by the data processing unit, the use of spaces associated with the premises using the received survey information and past survey information; and updating the premises usage profile based on the learnt use of the spaces.
15. 15. A method according to claim 13 or 14, the premises usage profile comprising at least one of: a pattern of use of spaces associated with the premises for a specific user; a pattern of use of spaces associated with the premises for a non-identified user; a pattern of use of spaces associated with the premises for a group of users; and a pattern of use of spaces associated with the premises when unoccupied.
16. 16. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the premises usage profile comprises an expected premises usage dependent on time.
17. 17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the expected premises usage is associated with a corresponding default mode of operation of energy resources of the premises, the method comprising estimating, from the survey information, a current premises usage; determining whether the current estimated premises usage matches the expected premises usage; in the event that the estimated premises usage matches the expected premises usage, operating the energy resources according to the default mode of operation; and in the event that the estimated premises usage does not match the expected premises usage, operating the energy resources based on an ad-hoc mode of operation.
18. 18. A method according to claim 16 or 17, the method comprising: detecting that the survey information does not correspond with the expected premises usage; identifying at least one anomaly between the survey information and the expected premises usage; and controlling the operation of the energy resources to output a notification based on the identified anomaly.
19. 19. A method according to claim 18, the method comprising: estimating a severity level for the anomaly; selecting the notification based on the severity level.
20. 20. A method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein controlling the operation of the energy resources to output a notification based on the identified anomaly comprises at least one of: operating a speaker associated with the premises; initialising a voice communication with a party; initialising a video communication with a party; operating a lighting device associated with the premises; and operating a security system device associated with the premises.
21. 21. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein an energy controller is configured to control at least one device, wherein a device is one of: an electric socket, a lamp, a radiator valve, a thermostat, a heating system, an air conditioning unit, a vent, a boiler, a humidifier, a de-humidifier, a window, a curtain, a blind, a shutter, a lock, a door, a gate, a speakerphone, a microphone, a radio, a television, a media centre, a game console, a computer, a camera, a video camera, a phone, a kitchen appliance, a bath, a hot water tank.
22. 22. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the controlling of the operation of the energy resources comprises controlling the operating mode of an energy-consuming device wherein the operating mode of the device is one otat least: an "ON" mode, an OFF" mode, an idle mode, and a specific power utilisation mode.
23. 23. A data processing unit for controlling energy consumption of premises, the data processing unit being configured to: receive monitoring information based on the output of at least one sensor, the sensor being associated with a part of the premises; build a premises usage profile based on the monitoring information; control, via one or more local energy controllers, the operation of the energy resources of the premises based on the premises usage profile and on the monitoring information.
24. 24. A system for controlling energy consumption of premises, the system comprising: at least one sensor associated with a part of the premises; a data processing unit according to claim 23; and one or more local energy controllers, wherein: the data processing unit is configured to receive the monitoring information based on the output of the at least one sensor, and the one or more local energy controllers are configured to control the operation of the energy resources of the premises based on input received from the data processing unit.
25. 25. A method of detecting intrusions in premises, the method comprising the steps of: receiving survey information based on the output of at least one sensor associated with a part of the premises; comparing, at a data analysing unit, the survey information with a premises usage profile for the premises; when an anomaly is identified based on the comparison of the survey information with the premises usage profile, detecting an intrusion into the premises; and updating the premises usage profile for the premises based on the received survey information.
26. 26. A data processing unit for detecting intrusions in premises, the data processing unit being configured to: receive survey information based on the output of at least one sensor associated with a part of the premises; update a premises usage profile for the premises based on the received survey information compare, at a data analysing unit, the survey information with the premises usage profile for the premises; and upon identification of an anomaly based on the comparison of the survey information with the premises usage profile, detect an intrusion into the premises.
27. 27. A system for detecting intrusions in premises, the system comprising: at least one sensor associated with a part of the premises; a communication unit connected to the at least one sensor; and a data processing unit according to claim 26; wherein the communication unit is configured to: obtain survey information based on the output of the at least one sensor, and transmit the survey information to the data processing unit. A
28. 28. A method of managing energy resources in a property, the method comprising measuring, using one or more sensors, environmental parameters relating to the property orto its vicinity; obtaining occupancy information for the property; estimating an occupancy of the property based at least on the occupancy information; updating a property profile for the property based on the measured environmental parameters and estimated occupancy, wherein the property profile associates a property occupancy with a utilisation of energy resources of the property; and managing energy resources of the property based on the property profile, on the measured environmental parameters and on the estimated occupancy.
29. 29. A method according to claim 28, the method comprising obtaining occupancy information for the property from one or more of: outputs from one or more detectors associated with the property localisation information originating from a personal device associated with a user of the property.
30. 30. A method according to claim 28 or 29 wherein the estimated occupancy comprise one or more of: a current estimated occupancy and an estimation of a predicted future occupancy.
31. 31. A data processing unit for managing energy resources in a property, data processing unit being configured to: obtain, via one or more sensors, environmental parameters relating to the property orto its vicinity; obtain occupancy information for the property; estimate an occupancy of the property based at least on the occupancy information; update a property profile for the property based on the obtained environmental parameters and estimated occupancy, wherein the property profile associates a property occupancy with a utilisation of energy resources of the property; and manage energy resources of the property based on the property profile, on the measured environmental parameters and on the estimated occupancy.
32. 32. A system for managing energy resources in a property, the system comprising: one or more sensors configured to measure environmental parameters relating to the property orto its vicinity; and a data processing unit configured to obtain the environmental parameters; obtain occupancy information for the property; estimate an occupancy of the property based at least on the occupancy information; update a property profile for the property based on the obtained environmental parameters and estimated occupancy, wherein the property profile associates a property occupancy with a utilisation of energy resources of the property; and manage energy resources of the property based on the property profile, on the measured environmental parameters and on the estimated occupancy.
33. 33. A system according to claim 32, wherein: The system further comprises one oi more controllers configured to manage energy resources of the property based on commands received from the data processing unit, and the data processing unit is operable to generate commands based on the property profile, on the measured environmental parameters and on the estimated occupancy and to transmit the commands to the one or more controllers.
34. 34. A method of controlling energy resource usage in a property comprising the steps of: receiving energy consumption information from one or more sensors associated with the property; processing said energy consumption information to generate an energy consumption profile for the property; and using the energy consumption profile to predict energy consumption within the property and controlling one or more energy consuming devices within the property based on the predicted energy consumption.
35. 35. An element for controlling energy resource usage in a property, the element being operable to: receive energy consumption information from one or more sensors associated with the property; process said energy consumption information to generate an energy consumption profile for the property; and use the energy consumption profile to predict energy consumption within the property and control one or more energy consuming devices within the property based on the predicted energy consumption.
36. 36. A system for controlling energy resource usage in a property comprising an element operable to: receive energy consumption information from one or more sensors associated with the property; process said energy consumption information to generate an energy consumption profile for the property; and use the energy consumption profile to predict energy consumption within the property and control one or more energy consuming devices within the property based on the predicted energy consumption.
37. 37. A method, a data processing unit and a system for controlling energy consumption of premises substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
38. 38. A method, a data processing unit and a system for detecting intrusions in premises substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
39. 39. A method, a data processing unit and a system for managing energy resources in a property substantially as hereinbetore described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
40. 40. A method, a data processing unit and a system for controlling energy resource usage in a property substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE SEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS:CLAIMS1. A method of controlling energy consumption of premises, the method comprising the steps of: receiving, at a data processing unit, survey information based on the output of at least one sensor, the sensor being associated with a part of the premises receiving, at the data processing unit, occupancy information for the property; estimating an occupancy of the property based at least on the occupancy information; building, by the data processing unit, a premises usage profile based on the survey information and on the estimated occupancy; and controlling, via one or more local energy controllers, the operation of energy resources of the premises based on the premises usage profile, on the survey information and on the estimated occupancy, thereby controlling energy consumption of premises.2. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises: outputting, by the at least one sensor, measurement information wherein the survey f. information is based on the measurement information; and transmitting the survey information to the data processing unit. (4 r3. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein controlling the operation of the energy resources comprises: generating control commands for the one or more local energy controllers based on the premises usage profile and on the survey information; transmitting the control commands to the one or more local energy controllers; and changing, by the one or more controllers, the operation of one or more energy-consuming devices associated with the premises in accordance with the commands.4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the generating of the control commands comprises the data processing unit generating the control commands.5. A method according to any preceding claim, the method comprising: receiving user data information based on the output of at least one reporting unit, wherein the user data information relates to the premises' utilisation by at least one user; wherein building the premises usage profile comprises building the premises usage profile based on the user data information; and controlling the operation of the energy resources of the premises comprises controlling said operation based on the user data information.6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the reporting unit is one of a mobile device, an application or a security system element.7. A method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the user data information comprises location information for a user indicating an estimated geographical localisation of the user.8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein a sensor is one of a light meter, a sound level meter, a camera, a video camera, an infrared sensor, a motion detection sensor, a humidity sensor, a smoke detector a temperature sensor, an air pressure sensor, an anemometer, a barometer and a rain sensor.9. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the survey information includes survey information based on the output of at least a first sensor for detecting signals of a first type and a second sensor for detecting signals of the first type, and wherein the survey information C'J comprises direction information for the source of the signals of the first type, the direction information being derived from the outputs of the first and second sensors. 2O10. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the premises comprise at least one of a home, a house, a flat, a warehouse, a building, commercial premises, private-use premises, mixed-use premises, single-floor premises, and multiple floor premises.11. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein data processing unit is remote from the premises.12. A method according to claim 11 wherein the data processing unit is operating from one or more of a standalone server, a plurality of standalone servers, a distributed arrangement of server and a cloud environment.13. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the premises usage profile comprises a pattern of use of spaces associated with the premises, the pattern associating a user behaviour with the operation of the energy resources of the premises.14. A method according to claim 13, the method comprising learning, by the data processing unit, the use of spaces associated with the premises using the received survey information and past survey information; and updating the premises usage profile based on the learnt use of the spaces.15. A method according to claim 13 or 14, the premises usage profile comprising at least one of: a pattern of use of spaces associated with the premises for a specific user; a pattern of use of spaces associated with the premises for a non-identified user; a pattern of use of spaces associated with the premises for a group of users; and a pattern of use of spaces associated with the premises when unoccupied.16. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the premises usage profile comprises an expected premises usage dependent on time.17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the expected premises usage is associated with a corresponding default mode of operation of energy resources of the premises, the method comprising estimating, from the survey information, a current premises usage; determining whether the current estimated premises usage matches the expected premises usage; in the event that the estimated premises usage matches the expected premises usage, operating the energy resources according to the default mode of operation; and in the event that the estimated premises usage does not match the expected premises usage, operating the energy resources based on an ad-hoc mode of operation.18. A method according to claim 16 or 17, the method comprising: detecting that the survey information does not correspond with the expected premises usage; identifying at least one anomaly between the survey information and the expected premises usage; and controlling the operation of the energy resources to output a notification based on the identified anomaly.19. A method according to claim 18, the method comprising: estimating a severity level for the anomaly; selecting the notification based on the severity level.20. A method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein controlling the operation of the energy resources to output a notification based on the identified anomaly comprises at least one of: operating a speaker associated with the premises; initialising a voice communication with a party; initialising a video communication with a party; operating a lighting device associated with the premises; and operating a security system device associated with the premises.21. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein an energy controller is configured to control at least one device, wherein a device is one of: an electric socket, a lamp, a radiator valve, a thermostat, a heating system, an air conditioning unit, a vent, a boiler, a humidifier, a de-humidifier, a window, a curtain, a blind, a shutter, a lock, a door, a gate, a speakerphone, a microphone, a radio, a television, a media centre, a game console, a computer, a camera, a video camera, a phone, a kitchen appliance, a bath, a hot water tank. (422. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the controlling of the operation of the energy resources comprises controlling the operating mode of an energy-consuming device wherein the operating mode of the device is one of at least: an "ON" mode, an OFF" mode, an idle mode, and a specific power utilisation mode.23. A data processing unit for controlling energy consumption of premises, the data processing unit being configured to: receive survey information based on the output of at least one sensor, the sensor being associated with a part of the premises; receive occupancy information for the property; estimate an occupancy of the property based at least on the occupancy information; build a premises usage profile based on the monitoring information and on the estimated occupancy; control, via one or more local energy controllers, the operation of energy resources of the premises based on the premises usage profile and on the survey information and on the estimated occupancy, thereby controlling energy consumption of premises.24. A system for controlling energy consumption of premises, the system comprising: at least one sensor associated with a part of the premises; a data processing unit according to claim 23; and one or more local energy controllers, wherein: the data processing unit is configured to receive the survey information based on the output of the at least one sensor, and the one or more local energy controllers are configured to control the operation of the energy resources of the premises based on input received from the data processing unit.25. A method, a data processing unit and a system for controlling energy consumption of premises substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. (4 r