GB2537921A

GB2537921A - Liquid dispensing

Info

Publication number: GB2537921A
Application number: GB1507468.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hygate Robert; Hygate Jack
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-04-30
Filing date: 2015-04-30
Publication date: 2016-11-02
Also published as: GB201507468D0

Abstract

An apparatus for dispensing a liquid comprises an inlet for liquid to be supplied to the apparatus from a liquid source, an outlet means for liquid to be discharged from the apparatus, a liquid flow controller adapted to control flow of liquid through the apparatus, a liquid flow meter adapted to measure the flow of liquid through the apparatus, and a power source arranged to provide power to the flow control means and for the liquid flow meter. An electronic credit payment receiver and controller for dispensing predetermined volumes of liquid through the outlet is provided and comprises a near field communication (NFC) device, a credit management device and an electronic controller. The liquid may be for human or animal consumption, such as water. The flow controller can be a solenoid switch and the flow meter may be a Hall Effect meter. The power source can comprise a solar energy collector. The apparatus may be collected to a network, such as a mesh network of similar apparatus, to allow credits and liquid consumption to be tracked. The apparatus is intended to provide access to water in exchange for non-monetary credits loaded to an NFC enabled card or telephone.

Description

Liquid Dispensing This invention relates generally to liquid dispensing, more specifically this invention relates to apparatus and method steps to dispense a liquid from a liquid source in a controlled manner. The invention also encompasses a method for distribution of electronic credits associated with liquid dispensing.

It is a basic human need to have access to water, other consumable liquids as well as other liquids such as liquid fuel. This liquid is accessed from a liquid source such as a mains io service or from a large container such as a tank.

By way of a non-limiting example, water is the principal liquid of interest to be dispensed, but the skilled person will understand that the liquid could also be other consumable liquids as well as other useful but non-consumable liquids such as liquid fuel.

In some areas of the world, water is provided by main line water pipes, known as "mains water" and access to mains water is given by an authority usually in exchange for a payment, either by volume used or by length of time with access.

In areas of the world where there is no such mains water supply, a water source such as a large tank is provided. Payment is made to a central authority by volume of water dispensed from the source and this payment allows the water to be replenished once the source is depleted In developing countries, it is necessary that a community has good access to clean water, and in many communities it is necessary for the provision of a water source such as a large tank. This tank is accessed by a tap which can fill smaller containers which can then be provided to individual households. In order to control the use of the tap there is known generally to be a tap attendant. Problems faced by the communities in the developing world include the supply, logistics and maintenance of water services. These issues are highlighted by a report in 2014 from the World Bank after the 2012 "right to water" publication by the United Nations; "The human right to water entitles everyone to sufficient, safe, acceptable, physically accessible and affordable water for personal and domestic uses", UN CESC -General Comment 15, para.2 It is common in these community situations that payment for water is made by a household to a central authority which will then issue non-monetary credits or tokens to be used for water. The credit or token is worth a specific pre-defined volume of water and is given to the tap attendant for that pre-defined volume to be dispensed.

Apparatus in this community situation generally consists of a liquid source, a liquid flow control, and a volume indicator. In some situations, these parts are simply mechanical and in others the flow control and the volume indicator are electronic and partially or fully autonomous. There has not been previously provided an electronic or partially or fully io autonomous replacement for the tap attendant or for the credit/token payment system.

Figure 1 demonstrates a known prior art approach to controlled dispensing of water, namely a card 10 issued to households upon pre-payment for water. The card 101 includes; a number of credits in the form of scratch-off panels 102 which when handed to a tap attendant will be removed to indicate usage, and instructions for use 104. When a card is presented to the tap attendant, one panel is scratched off to reveal an image representing one unit 103 and so one unit volume of water is provided. After every panel has been removed, the card is retained by the tap attendant who uses it to claim his wage from the central authority. This is a low tech' solution to resource control. Problems with this system reside in distribution of credits, retention of the cards and the wage and position of the tap attendant.

There has been a need professed by the World Bank in November 2014; "The most critical game changers are the increasing use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to eliminate cumbersome token usage and link prepaid meters to mobile phones and vendors." "Prepaid water needs to be taken far more seriously in water sector policies and regulatory frameworks and in scaled-up technical support to optimize the opportunities they offer and the risks they pose." (http://www.worldbank. org/en/newslfeature/2014/09/01/assessment-of-eight-african-citiesexplores- limitations-and-possibilities-of-prepaid-meter-systems accessed in April 2015) It is an aim of the present invention to provide a solution to the logistics of payment, credit management and dispensing problems identified above and to provide a solution to the needs professed by the World Bank.

The distribution of electronic data between multiple electronic devices is known to be a simple procedure. In banking transfers it is important not to duplicate the data when money is transferred otherwise a monetary value will be present in both accounts. It is known through Digital Rights Management (DRM) that digital files can be controlled via a network connection. It is also currently known that data can be transferred between electronic lo functional devices via Near Field Communication (NFC). Further aim of this invention is to provide data management when passing non-monetary credits between powered and unpowered NFC devices.

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for dispensing a liquid comprising; a. Inlet means for liquid to be supplied to the apparatus from a liquid source, b. outlet means for liquid to be discharged from the apparatus, c. liquid flow control means adapted to control flow of liquid through the apparatus, d. a liquid flow meter adapted to measure the flow of liquid through the apparatus, and e. a power source arranged to provide power to the flow control means and for the liquid flow meter.

The apparatus additionally comprising; f. means for receiving electronic credit payment for dispensing predetermined volumes of liquid through said outlet means, said means for receiving comprising;

I. near field communication (NFC) means,

ii. credit management means, and iii. electronic control means.

Further to the above embodiment the liquid is for human and/or animal consumption and optionally, the liquid is water.

In a further embodiment the liquid flow control means comprises a solenoid switch. Again further, the liquid flow meter is a Hall Effect meter. Still further, the power source is or comprises a solar energy collection means.

According to the invention and in one further aspect the electronic credits comprise a digitally represented credit capable of management and electronic transfer by the credit management means.

According to the invention in another aspect the apparatus also comprises or is connected to a local network for liquid and/or credit tracking. Further to this aspect, the local network includes a multiple of other apparatus for dispensing a liquid as described above. Again further, the local network is a local computer network and could be a mesh network. Further still, the local network is connected to the internet, and/or a larger regional computer lo network and/or a national computer network.

According to the invention in another aspect the apparatus is in combination with personal electronic credit storage means. Said electronic credit storage means in one aspect could be; a powered electronic device such as a mobile phone or hand-held or otherwise portable computer, or an unpowered electronic device such as a card or token including a circuit for unique identification. Further to this, the electronic credit storage means is near field communication (NFC) enabled.

According to the invention in yet another aspect the apparatus also comprises means for local network and/or internet connection for an external device. Further presented, said means for local network and/or internet connection for an external device is a Wi-Fi transmitter.

Further presented is an aspect of the apparatus also comprising education means from which a user can hear or see an educational transcript in use of the apparatus.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for dispensing a liquid comprising the steps of; a. presenting an electronic credit storage means to a liquid dispensing means adapted to dispense liquid in pre-determined portions from a liquid source in response to electronic credits, b. receiving a pre-defined volume of the liquid discharged from the liquid dispensing means.

Further presented is a method further to that previously described wherein the liquid dispensing means comprises apparatus for dispensing a liquid as defined above and the electronic credit storage means as defined above.

In yet a further aspect of the present invention there is also provided a method for distribution of electronic credits associated with liquid dispensing the method comprising the steps of; a. providing a credit supply/generation means controlled by a central authority, b. providing a secure computer network for the control and monitor of said credits, c. transfer of multiple credits from the credit supply/generation means to a primary credit storage means, d. transfer of electronic credit(s) from said primary credit storage means to multiple secondary storage means, e. transfer of electronic credit(s) from one of the secondary storage means to a device/apparatus for dispensing said liquid.

According to the invention in another aspect there is provided the method for distribution of electronic credits wherein one form of secondary storage means is a mobile phone or is an unpowered electronic device such as a card or token including a circuit for its unique identification.

According to the invention in another aspect there is provided the method for distribution of electronic credits wherein the secure computer network is a closed network According to the invention in another aspect there is provided the method for distribution of electronic credits wherein the credits are transferred in exchange for a monetary currency.

According to the invention in another aspect there is provided the method for distribution of electronic credits wherein the credits are transferred via near field communication.

Presented herein is a pre-paid liquid such as water dispensing apparatus to help manage principally water provision for communities in developing areas. It is understood that this invention may also have other applications in other areas.

The largest problem in the developing world at the moment, as illustrated by the World Bank, is that even though water systems are being installed, they often aren't sustainable. The water usage needs to be managed and paid for. The apparatus in one embodiment could simply attach to a pre-existing stand pipe and be powered by a solar collector but it is understood that it also could be newly installed and powered by other means such as a battery. The device operation is conducted via Near Field Communication (NFC). NFC is a protocol for the transfer of data and NFC devices can be powered or unpowered. In preferred embodiments the NFC device is an unpowered key fob but it could also be an unpowered card or a powered mobile device such as a mobile phone. These devices are capable of holding small amounts of editable and readable data. Such key fobs can be loaded up with a set amount of water credit to deliver a predefined volume of water. When the key fob is held near the water dispensing apparatus it will dispense water until the key fob is taken away or until credit runs out. In such embodiments, further credit can be provided for the key fob via NFC transfer from a powered mobile device. The powered mobile device receives credit after payment through SMS or by NFC contact with other io powered or unpowered devices. Personal management of credits is conducted via a mobile phone application on a powered NFC device such as a mobile phone. The mobile application allows NFC transfer of credits and also manages a personal wallet.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described purely by way of non-limiting example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a Prior Art payment scratch card; Figure 2a is a near field communication key fob; Figure 2b is a near field communication card; Figure 2c is a powered mobile device that includes an NFC circuit Figure 3 is a liquid dispenser Figure 4 is a detail view of a portion of a liquid dispenser Figure 5 is a detail view of a control board of the liquid dispenser Figure 6 is a flow diagram describing a method for dispensing Figure 7 is a flow diagram describing a method for credit distribution Figures 2a, 2b and 2c show three specific embodiments of the NFC enabled devices that store and transfer credits used for dispensing a liquid. Figure 2a shows an unpowered NFC key fob 21 that includes an NFC circuit represented by the NFC logo 210. Figure 2b shows an unpowered NFC card 22 that includes an NFC circuit represented by the NFC logo 220.

Figure 2c shows a powered mobile device 23 that includes an NFC circuit as a part of its standard features.

The unpowered NFC devices 21 and 22 store credits and are used to dispense a liquid from a liquid dispenser equipped with an NFC reader. The unpowered NFC devices 21 and 22 are placed against the NFC reader on a dispenser which debits credits from the device and dispenses a pre-defined volume of liquid.

The powered mobile device 23 can connect to the Internet or to a local computer network and monitors the credits associated with a user's account. The powered mobile device 23 can be positioned against the NFC key fob 21 or the NFC card 22 in order to transfer credits, an application installed on the mobile device facilitates the process allowing authentication via a computer network and controls the number of credits transferred. The powered mobile device also has the function of a device to dispense liquid, the powered mobile device is placed against the NFC reader on a dispenser which debits credits from the mobile device and dispenses a pre-defined volume of liquid.

NFC devices 21, 22 and 23 replace the owned portion of the apparatus previously the card 101 in figure 1.

Figure 3 demonstrates apparatus for dispensing a liquid 30. The apparatus comprises a control unit 302, a drain 304, a solar collector 306 and an NFC communication point 308.

The control unit allows for the distribution of a liquid in exchange for a pre-purchased credit stored on an NFC storage device. A user will position an NFC storage device on the NFC communication point in order to dispense a pre-defined volume of liquid. The apparatus is powered by a solar collector 306, although other or supplementary power supplies are envisaged.

Figure 4 demonstrates a detail view of a control unit for a liquid dispenser 40 and comprises an NFC communication point 402, a liquid inlet 404 to be in communication with a liquid source (not shown), a liquid outlet 406 for discharge of metered prepaid volumes of water, a unit on the liquid line to control flow comprising a latch solenoid 408 and a Hall Effect meter 410 to monitor usage. The figure also depicts a control board 412 and a power source 414. In this figure the casing appears transparent merely for purposes of better illustration and explanation.

Figure 5 depicts a control board 50 (e.g. the control board present in the figure 4 arrangement) for a liquid dispenser and comprises an NFC circuit 502, LEDs 504, power in 506, hardware and software for managing data, connection points 508 for a latch solenoid and connection points 510 for a Hall Effect meter. Optionally, this control board also comprises means (not shown) to connect to a network.

Figure 6 demonstrates a process 60 by which a liquid dispensing apparatus according to a first aspect of the invention can control the distribution of a liquid. The default status 602 of the apparatus is OFF and every two seconds 604, the apparatus checks the presence of an NFC card 606, if no, the process begins again, if yes, the data on the card is read 608. If there is an error, the user is notified and the process begins again. The apparatus has encryption/decryption capabilities and in order to dispense liquid, the dispensing apparatus needs to decrypt 610 the data from the card. Decryption will demonstrate the credit available on the card 612 and if the credits total one or more 614, the tap is turned on, if the credits are zero the process begins again. The Dispensing apparatus has flow rate control means allowing the dispensing of a predefined volume of liquid 618. If there is an error on the tap, if the liquid source is empty or if there is a blockage in the pipe, an error is recorded and the process begins again after notification is made to the user and to a central authority.

If there is no error and liquid is dispensed, the account of the user is debited a predefined number of credits and the process begins again. If more liquid is required, the user can leave the NFC card in contact with the NFC reader to dispense another volume of liquid.

Figure 7 demonstrates a process 70 of transferring pre-paid water volume credits. A central controlling authority with a data centre 702 generates and distributes credits. This central authority may be in a large town or city and local distributors make contact with them, either in person or remotely via mobile communication. Credit transfer is effected either over a network or via NFC transfer between the data centre and a primary mobile device with NFC capabilities upon payment. A large volume 704 of credits are transferred to the local distributor and are stored on a primary powered mobile device 706. The local distributor then becomes available to a smaller local community 710 where apparatus 718 for distributing a liquid through NFC means is provided. The local distributor can then transfer a small portion of their credits (retained on the powered mobile device 706) to local individuals and families within that community and is paid for doing so in order to reimburse the initial purchase. There is an option for the cost per credit to be the same as the initial purchase or different therefrom if there are subsidies or if the local distributor is earning a wage. The credits are stored on secondary storage devices 714 including other powered mobile devices, NEC key fobs and NEC cards. Each credit represents a pre-paid pre-defined volume of liquid 716 and when the secondary storage device 714 actuates the apparatus 718 for distributing a liquid via NFC contact that said volume is dispensed into a suitable container as indicated schematically.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

CLAIMSApparatus for dispensing a liquid comprising; a. Inlet means for liquid to be supplied to the apparatus from a liquid source, b. outlet means for liquid to be discharged from the apparatus, c. liquid flow control means adapted to control flow of liquid through the apparatus, d. a liquid flow meter adapted to measure the flow of liquid through the apparatus, and e. a power source arranged to provide power to the flow control means and for the liquid flow meter, the apparatus additionally comprising; f. means for receiving electronic credit payment for dispensing predetermined volumes of liquid through said outlet means, said means for receiving comprisingi. near field communication (NEC) means

H. credit management means iii. electronic control means Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the liquid is for human and/or animal consumption.

Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the liquid is water.

Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the liquid flow control means comprises a solenoid switch.

Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the liquid flow meter is a Hall Effect meter.

Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the power source is or comprises a solar energy collection means.

Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the electronic credits comprise a digitally represented credit capable of management and electronic transfer by the credit management means.

Apparatus according to any preceding claim also comprising or connected to a local network for liquid and/or credit tracking.

Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the local network includes a multiple of other apparatus for dispensing a liquid according to any of claims 1 to 6.

10. Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8 wherein the local network is a local computer network.

11. Apparatus according to any of claims 7 to 9 wherein the local network is a mesh network.

12. Apparatus according to any of claims 7 to 10 wherein the local network is connected to the internet, and/or a larger regional computer network and/or a national computer network.

13. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, in combination with personal electronic credit storage means.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13 whereby the electronic credit storage means is a powered electronic device such as a mobile phone or hand-held or otherwise portable computer.

15. Apparatus according to claim 13 whereby one form electronic credit storage means is an unpowered electronic device such as a card or token including a circuit permitting its unique identification.

16. Apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 15 wherein the electronic credit storage means is near field communication (NFC) enabled.

17. Apparatus according to any preceding claim also comprising means for local network and/or internet connection for an external device.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the means for local network and/or internet connection is a VVi-Fi transmitter.

19. Apparatus according to any preceding claim also comprising education means from which a user can hear or see an educational transcript in use of the apparatus.

20. A method for dispensing a liquid comprising the steps of a presenting an electronic credit storage means to a liquid dispensing means adapted to dispense liquid in pre-determined portions from a liquid source in response to electronic credits, b receiving a pre-defined volume of the liquid discharged from the liquid dispensing means.

21 A method according to claim 20 wherein the liquid dispensing means comprises apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12 and the electronic credit storage means comprises electronic credit storage means as defined in any one of claims 13 to 16.

22. A method for distribution of electronic credits associated with liquid dispensing, the method comprising the steps of; a. providing a credit supply/generation means controlled by a central authority, b. providing a secure computer network for the control and monitor of said credits, c. transfer of multiple credits from the credit supply/generation means to a primary credit storage means, d. transfer of electronic credit(s) from said primary credit storage means to multiple secondary storage means, e. transfer of electronic credit(s) from one of the secondary storage means to a device/apparatus for dispensing said liquid.

23. A method according to claim 19 wherein one form of secondary storage means is a mobile phone.

24. A method according to claim 19 wherein another form of secondary storage means is an unpowered electronic device such as a card or token including a circuit for its unique identification.

25. A method according to any of claims 19 to 21 wherein the secure computer network is a closed network 26. A method according to any of claims 19 to 22 wherein the credits are transferred in exchange for a monetary currency.27. A method according to any of claims 19 to 23 wherein the credits are transferred via near field communication.28. Apparatus for dispensing a liquid as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 substantially as herein described.29. Apparatus for dispensing a liquid as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 substantially as herein illustrated in any figure apart from figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.30. A method for dispensing a liquid as claimed in any one of claim 20 or 21 substantially as herein described.31. A method for dispensing a liquid as claimed in any one of claim 20 or 21 substantially as herein illustrated in any figure apart from figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.32. A method for distribution of electronic credits as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 27, substantially as herein described.33. A method for distribution of electronic credits as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 27, substantially as herein illustrated in any figure apart from figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.