IL309857A - Modular systems, modular controllers and methods for controlling equipment for water facilities in a modular manner - Google Patents

Description

MODULAR SYSTEMS, MODULAR CONTROLLERS AND METHODS FOR MODULAR WATER FACILITIES CONTROL TECHNICAL FIELD id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1" id="p-1"

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of water facilities (WFs) devices control and more particularly to modular systems, modular controllers and methods for modular control over one or more devices used for automated monitoring and/or maintenance of WFs such as (yet not limited to) swimming pools.

BACKGROUND id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2" id="p-2"

[0002] Water facilities (WFs) such as swimming pools, water reservoirs etc., require ongoing monitoring and maintenance. In order to ensure a persistent high water-quality of the water of the water facility (WF), many water quality properties of various types should be measured such as various chemical disinfecting and polluting concentrations or levels such as chlorine-based compounds, cyanuric acid and/or cyanuric acid based compounds level/concentration, biological contaminating substances concentration or level, pH level, etc., in an ongoing, frequent or continuous manner. Furthermore, to maintain a high enough water-quality of the water of a WF, maintenance operations must be regularly performed such as by adding one or more disinfecting substances to the WF water, draining of water or adding water to the WF, controlling backwash or filtering operations etc. [0003] There is a growing need for performing the maintenance and/or monitoring of WFs in an automated or autonomous manner and various systems are available that are configured for automatic ongoing (continuous or periodic) monitoring of one or more water-quality related properties of the WF water and/or for automated maintenance of the WF such as automated introduction of one or more chemical disinfecting additives to the WF water for maintaining a high-enough water quality over time. [0004] However, these available systems are often configured to enable automated or autonomous monitoring of a large number of water-quality related properties and controlling a large number of WF devices such as disinfecting devices, filter(s) and/or pumps of the WF, and/or configured to provide sophisticated and high-accuracy monitoring devices/subsystems which are extremely costly and require cumbersome installation and maintenance. [0005] Other available systems, on the other hand, only enable automated (such as periodic or ongoing) operation of a single WF device such as automated operation of the filter(s) of the WF or an automatic dispensing device for dispensing of a single disinfecting substance. [0006] PCT patent application publication no. WO2023/130162A1 (herein D1) to Maytronics Australia PTY Ltd., which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, teaches systems and methods for delivery of one or more products such as Ozone and chorine substances to a body of water for treating and/or disinfecting the body of water. The system taught in D1 includes an Ozone generator and a flow control mechanism to introduce the generated Ozone gas into the water of the body of water and enables adding to the system a chlorinator unit, which is configured to add chlorine-based substances to the water. SUMMARY[0007] Aspects of disclosed embodiments pertain a modular controller for controlling one or more devices associated with a water facility (WF), the modular controller may include at least: [0008] at least one connecting platform configured for removably connecting to one or more detachable units, wherein at least one of the one or more detachable units is a detachable controller configured at least for controlling operation of at least one device associated with the WF, and wherein the at least one connecting platform enables a user to customize the modular controller at least by removing or selecting and installing therein one or more detachable units. [0009] According to some embodiments, each connecting platform may be configured at least for connecting one or more detachable units to a data communication port, for enabling data communication of the specific detachable unit. [0010] According to some embodiments, the one or more detachable units may include or more of: one or more monitoring devices and/or one or more treatment devices configured to apply water treatment to the water of the WF or to one or more samples of the WF water. id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11" id="p-11"

[0011] According to some embodiments, the one or more monitoring devices may include at least one sensor for sensing at least one characteristics of water of the WF. [0012] According to some embodiments, at least one of the one or more detachable units may be, for example, a removable controller. [0013] The removable controller may be configured, for example, for controlling of at least one WF device associated with the WF. [0014] According to some embodiments, the WF device may be configured for one or more of: monitoring one or more characteristics of the WF and/or of the WF water; treating of the WF water and/or one or more samples or portions thereof; monitoring and/or controlling operation of one or more WF devices; communicating with one or more WF devices; generating one or more substances; and/or controlling flow and/or sampling of water of the WF. [0015] According to some embodiments, the modular controller may further include a stationary or detachable gasification unit configured for generating gas molecules and introducing generated gas molecules into the water of the WF. [0016] According to some embodiments, the gasification unit includes an Ozone generator, for generating Ozone gas molecules. [0017] According to some embodiments, the modular controller may further include a detachable or stationary chlorination unit, configured at least for controlling at least one chlorination device, configured for introducing one or more chlorine-based substance to the WF water. [0018] According to some embodiments, the modular controller may further include a waterproof encasing that can be open and closed for enabling replacement or adding of selected detachable units to each of the at least one connecting platform of the modular controller. [0019] According to some embodiments, the modular controller may further include an interfacing unit configured for enabling a user to reprogram, adjust settings, threshold values and/or ranges of parameter values and/or customize operation at least of one or more of the one or more detachable units. [0020] According to some embodiments, at least one of the one or more detachable units may include a communication unit configured for supporting communication via one or more communication networks and/or protocols. id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21" id="p-21"

[0021] According to some embodiments, at least one of the one or more detachable units may include at least one processing unit. [0022] According to some embodiments, the modular controller may be configured to communicate with at least one remote server that is configured to receive and process data associated with the WF. [0023] According to some embodiments, the WF is a swimming pool. [0024] According to some embodiments, the one or more WF devices associated with the WF may include one or more of: one or more water treatment devices; one or more filters and/or one or more water pumps; pipeline of the WF and/or part thereof; one or more monitoring devices; one or more external devices. [0025] According to some embodiments, the modular controller may include a power supply module configured for controlling power supply to at least one of the one or more detachable units connected via the at least one connecting platform. [0026] Other aspects of disclosed embodiments pertain to a system for monitoring at least one water facility (WF) and controlling one or more devices associated with each WF, the monitoring and control may include system including at least: [0027] one of more WF devices associated with the specific WF; and [0028] at least one modular controller having at least one connecting platform for removably connecting to one or more detachable units, wherein at least one of the one or more detachable units is a detachable controller configured at least for controlling operation of at least one WF device of a specific WF. [0029] According to some embodiments, each connecting platform of the at least one modular controller may be configured at least for connecting one or more detachable units to a data communication port, for enabling data communication of the specific detachable unit with one or more monitoring devices and/or one or more treatment devices of the WF, for monitoring and/or controlling one or more properties of the WF. [0030] According to some embodiments, the one or more monitoring devices may include at least one sensor for sensing at least one characteristics of water of the WF. [0031] According to some embodiments, at least one of the one or more detachable units may be configured for controlling of at least one WF device associated with the WF that is configured for one or more of: monitoring one or more characteristics of the WF and/or of the WF water; treating of the WF water and/or one or more samples or portions thereof; monitoring and/or controlling operation of one or more WF devices; communicating with one or more WF devices; generating one or more substances; and/or controlling flow and/or sampling of water of the WF. [0032] According to some embodiments, the at least one modular controller may further include an interfacing unit configured for enabling a user to reprogram, adjust settings, threshold values and/or ranges of parameter values and/or customize operation at least of one or more of the one or more detachable units. [0033] According to some embodiments, at least one of the one or more detachable units may include a communication unit configured for supporting communication via one or more communication networks and/or protocols. [0034] According to some embodiments, at least one of the one or more detachable units may include at least one processing unit. [0035] According to some embodiments, the system may be configured to communicate with at least one remote server that is configured to receive and process data associated with the WF. [0036] I According to some embodiments, the one or more WF devices associated with the WF may include one or more of: one or more water treatment devices; one or more filters and/or one or more water pumps; pipeline of the WF and/or part thereof; one or more monitoring devices; one or more external devices. [0037] According to some embodiments, at least one of the one or more WF devices may be modular enabling removing and adding of detachable modules thereto. [0038] According to some embodiments, each detachable module may be configured for one or more of: performing a specific water treatment to water of the WF or to one or more portions or samples thereof; monitoring one or more characteristics of the WF of water thereof; generating one or more substances; and/or controllably directing of water within the modular WF device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS[0039] In order to understand the presently disclosed subject matter and to see how it may be carried out in practice, the subject matter will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40" id="p-40"

[0040] Fig. 1 is a block diagram, schematically illustrating at least some components of a modular system for controlling and optionally also for monitoring a WF such as a swimming pool enabling modulating various WF devices such as various control, maintenance, and/or monitoring devices of a WF such as a swimming pool, by enabling modular adding and removing of one or more detachable units thereto and/or therefrom, according to some embodiments; [0041] Fig. 2 is a block diagram, schematically illustrating a modular controller enabling removable connection of multiple detachable units of various types, according to some embodiments; [0042] Fig. 3 shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary modular WF device that enables removable adding of various detachable units thereto for water treatment and/or monitoring, according to some embodiments; [0043] Fig. 4 shows a flowchart indicating at exemplary main steps of a method or a process of modulating at least a modular controller of a system for controlling and optionally also for monitoring a WF, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44" id="p-44"

[0044] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed subject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the presently disclosed subject matter. [0045] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as "obtaining", "identifying", "performing", "determining", "providing" "moving", "instructing" or the like, include action and/or processes of a computer that manipulate and/or transform data into other data, said data represented as physical quantities, e.g., such as electronic quantities, and/or said data representing the physical objects. The terms "computer", "processor", "processing resource", "processing circuitry", and "controller" should be expansively construed to cover any kind of electronic device with data processing capabilities, including, by way of non-limiting example, a personal desktop/laptop computer, a server, a computing system, a communication device, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a smart television, a processor (e.g. digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.), a group of multiple physical machines sharing performance of various tasks, virtual servers co-residing on a single physical machine, any other electronic computing device, and/or any combination thereof. [0046] The operations in accordance with the teachings herein may be performed by a computer specially constructed for the desired purposes or by a general-purpose computer specially configured for the desired purpose by a computer program stored in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The term "non-transitory" is used herein to exclude transitory, propagating signals, but to otherwise include any volatile or non-volatile computer memory technology suitable to the application. [0047] As used herein, the phrase "for example," "such as", "for instance" and variants thereof describe non-limiting embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. [0048] Reference in the specification to "one case", "some cases", "other cases" or variants thereof means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) is included in at least one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. Thus, the appearance of the phrase "one case", "some cases", "other cases" or variants thereof does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s). [0049] It is appreciated that, unless specifically stated otherwise, certain features of the presently disclosed subject matter, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the presently disclosed subject matter, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. [0050] Any reference in the specification to a method should be applied mutatis mutandis to a system capable of executing the method and should be applied mutatis mutandis to a non-transitory computer readable medium that stores instructions that once executed by a computer result in the execution of the method. id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51" id="p-51"

[0051] Any reference in the specification to a system should be applied mutatis mutandis to a method that may be executed by the system and should be applied mutatis mutandis to a non-transitory computer readable medium that stores instructions that may be executed by the system. [0052] Any reference in the specification to a non-transitory computer readable medium should be applied mutatis mutandis to a system capable of executing the instructions stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium and should be applied mutatis mutandis to method that may be executed by a computer that reads the instructions stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium. [0053] Aspects of disclosed embodiments pertain to a modular controller and system for enabling a user to customize control over and/or communication with one or more devices, referred to herein as WF devices, of a water facility (WF) such as a swimming pool or a water reservoir, in a modular manner. [0054] One objective of the controllers, systems and methods disclosed herein is to enable users of a WF such as owners or maintenance staff of the WF to be able to select one or more from a variety of available detachable units that are configured to easily and removably connect or be installed in the controller/system based on the user’s needs, the WF characteristics or requirements (such as size, volume of water contained therein, etc.) and budget, in a manner that enables the user(s) to easily add or replace WF devices and/or customize or change controlling over these WF devices, via the same system/modular controller. [0055] According to some embodiments, the WF devices which may be available for interfacing with the modular controller may include for example one or more of: [0056] one or more water treatment devices such as one or more releasing devices, configured to release (and optionally also generate) one or more substances into the water of the WF, and/or one or more other treatment devices such as one or more pumps and/or filters; [0057] one or more monitoring devices, each including one or more sensors and optionally also processing means for processing sensor data outputted by the one or more sensors, where each sensor is configured to sense/detect at least one characteristic of the WF (such as its water) and/or external environment of the WF (such as ambient temperature, number of bathers, irrigation state of the surrounding garden etc.), and/or at least one characteristic of one or more treatment WF device; [0058] WF piping subsystem including, for example, a pipeline and one or more controllable valves etc.; and/or [0059] one or more external devices or systems associated with the WF such as irrigation system of a surrounding garden or one or more devices thereof. [0060] According to some embodiments, the modular controller may be installed externally to the WF yet locally in respect to the location of the WF, enabling safe connection thereof to a power line of an electricity grid or to a battery unit power source. [0061] According to some embodiments, the modular controller may be configured to removably connect to one or more detachable control units serving at least as some optional detachable units, which the modular controller is configured to use and connect to, where each detachable control unit may be configured to control the operation of a different WF device. For example, one detachable control unit may be configured to control operation of a filter device of the WF, while another detachable control unit may be configured to control operation of a water treatment device such as a chlorinator, a gasification unit or another disinfecting treatment unit. [0062] According to some embodiments, the modular controller is configured at least for enabling customizable automated control over one or more WF devices, using a single hub device that can be customized to the user’s requirements, needs and budget in an easy and centralized manner. [0063] According to some embodiments a detachable unit may be configured for controlling and/or performing more than a single maintenance/detection actions. [0064] The modular controller may include a connecting platform including several receiving units enabling quick and easy connecting and releasing of each detachable unit thereto/therefrom, through which the connected detachable unit can connect to a power supply and/or to data communication connecting means for connecting to its respective WF device it is designed to control. [0065] According to some embodiments, each receiving unit may be configured such as to form an open cavity therein for holding therein the detachable unit, where the wall of the receiving unit may be attached to a holding element/apparatus (not shown). The receiving unit may also include one or more holding tracks for easy positioning of the detachable unit being installed therein and easy removal of the installed detachable unit. [0066] In some embodiments, at least one of the detachable units adapted to connect to the modular controller may have an internal power supply source such as at least one battery and may therefore not require connecting to a power supply of the modular controller. [0067] According to some embodiments of the modular controller, the modular controller may not be configured to supply power to any of the detachable units removably connectable thereto and serve as a routing device for connecting each detachable unit to its one or more associated WF devices. In these cases, the modular controller may only have power supply connection for other devices embedded therein such as one or more processors, display unit(s), data storage unit(s), communication unit(s) for communicating with other external devices and/or systems, etc. [0068] According to some embodiments, the modular controller and system of disclosed embodiments may be configured to enable automatic/autonomous monitoring of the WF and/or automatic/autonomous control over the WF devices used in the specific WF, in a modular manner enabling the WF user(s) to modulate the modular controller and optionally also one or more of the WF devices being used, according to user(s)’s and/or the specific WF personal needs, desire, requirements and/or limitations. [0069] Reference is now made to Fig. 1 , schematically illustrating a modular system 100 for controlling of one or more WF devices of a WF 10 enabling modulation of one or more units/devices/parts thereof, and optionally also for controlling monitoring of the WF or environment thereof, according to some embodiments. [0070] The modular system 100 may include: [0071] a modular controller 200associated with a specific WF, optionally out of several WFs the system manages; [0072] a WF devices subsystem 300 including, for example, one or more WF devices such as, for example, one or more water treatment devices such as a filter 303 , a pump 304 , another treatment unit 301 for introducing one or more disinfecting substances to the WF water 11; and one or more monitoring devices such as monitoring device 302 including one or more sensors, configured at least to measure one or more water-quality related characteristics of the WF water. id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73" id="p-73"

[0073] According to some embodiments, additional monitoring devices may be used for measuring one or more characteristics of an environment of the WF such as its surrounding area and additional external devices such as external device 50 may be controllable by the modular controller or other components of the system 100 . [0074] According to some embodiments, the system 100 may also include or be communicative with one or more of: [0075] one or more remote servers such as remote (optionally cloud) server 400via one or more communication links; and/or [0076] one or more user devices such as personal computers, laptops, tablets and/or mobile devices such as mobile device 500 . [0077] [0078] According to some embodiments, at least one of the one or more detachable units may include one or more processing and/or control hardware such as one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs). In some embodiments, one or more PCBs may be designed such that it can be programmable or customized. [0079] According to some embodiments at least one designated mobile application, computer program and/or website may be used such as WF application 510 operable via one or more user devices, for any one or more of: [0080] displaying one or more properties of the WF or external environment thereof such as sensor data arriving from the monitoring device(s) and/or results of sensor data analysis, alerts and/or recommended services or products, via a display platform 511 ; [0081] enabling the user to control, set, adjust, modify, modulate, calibrate and/or customize one or more system settings, via a customization platform (settings) 512 including a designated user interface, for example for enabling: uploading/downloading updates for control functions/instructions of detachable and/or stationary controlling units of the system 100 or of the modular controller 200 , download updates for such settings available via the user interface of the customization platform 512 , input definitions or data associated with newly installed or to be installed detachable units etc. [0082] managing monitoring features via a monitoring managing platform 513 , for example, for viewing and/or adjusting sensor data analysis, defining analysis of sensor data from new monitoring unit(s) being added to the system 100, etc. id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83" id="p-83"

[0083] According to some embodiments, sensor data from at least some of the monitoring devices being used by the system 100 may be sent to and analyzed by the remote server 400 using one or more designated analysis algorithms and optionally accumulated for using this data for one or more machine learning models and/or artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to improve sensor data analysis accuracy for each WF being monitored by the system 100 . [0084] According to some embodiments, the system 100 may be configured to monitor and control multiple WFs, and handle monitoring and control of each of the multiple WFs, according to the specific currently installed/used WF devices. [0085] According to some embodiments each monitoring device 302 may include one or more sensors/detectors such as one or more of the following list of: temperature sensor (e.g., for measuring temperature of the WF water or ambient temperature of n area that is in some proximity to the WF; one or more optical sensors such as a spectroscopy/spectrometry device(s), a camera, an infrared camera (which may also be used for temperatures measurements), etc., a pH sensor, a chemical senor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor and optionally also indicator, and the like. [0086] The one or more monitoring devices and/or one or more sensors thereof may be designed to be submersible or non-submersible. [0087] Reference is now made to Fig. 2 , schematically illustrating a modular controller 200’ , according to some embodiments. The modular controller 200’ may include: [0088] a power supply unit 220 for supplying power therethrough to at least one of the devices/units installed in the modular controller 200’ , the power supply unit 220 may also include connection to a wired and/or wireless communication infrastructure; [0089] a connecting platform 210 which may include multiple receiving units such as receiving units 211a-211d , each receiving unit 211a/211b/211c/211d may be configured for easy and removable connection/installation and holding of a detachable unit and may include one or more connecting ports such as connecting port 212a/212b/212c/212d , for connecting the installed detachable unit to the power supply unit 220 and/or to a communication link for receiving and/or transmitting data to its respective WF device. [0090] The modular controller 200’may optionally also include one or more of: 30 id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91" id="p-91"

[0091] at least one processing unit (not shown) for processing/analyzing sensor data, storing data, and/or for receiving and processing input data, received through user input and/or from other external devices/systems external to the modular controller; [0092] an embedded interface device 230 , which may be operatively associated with the at least one processor, configured to enable displaying control and/or monitoring related information and/or for enabling a user to adjust or input settings related data for enabling the modular controller 200’ to properly connect to a detachable unit, where the inputting/adjustment of the settings may be enabled by configuring the modular controller 200’ such as to be able to automatically receive operation data and/or settings information of the specific detachable unit to be installed therein, by automatic downloaded or uploaded of programming data from a designated application/website or by physically (e.g., electronically/digitally) connecting the interface platform 230 to a user device and having the user input or select identifying details of the specific detachable unit to be installed. One or more of the sensors/detectors being used may include an internal processor for processing sensed data. [0093] Additionally or alternatively the designated application or program may be embedded in the interface device 230 including a display and input means for enabling a user to input or select data through a designated displayable user interface. The interface device may also be detachable. [0094] According to some embodiments, the power supply unit 220 may include one or more transformers and may be configured to connect to a power line of an electrical power supply grid (e.g., via a mains voltage supply connection or device embedded within the power supply unit 220 of the modular controller 200’ ). [0095] According to some embodiments the one or more transformers may be designed to be switchable or tunable such as to enable connecting to more than one type of power supply grid/line thereby enabling using a single modular controller 200’ that can connect to a power supply line of the local grid’s characteristics such as delivery voltage or flux. [0096] The one or more transformers may be configured for alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) transformation and/or for voltage and/or current conversion. [0097] According to some embodiments, at least one of detachable units that can removably connect to the connecting platform 210 , may be a detachable controlling unit, configured to control one or more WF devices, such as detachable units 51-53 . In some embodiments, each detachable controlling unit 51/52/53 may be configured for controlling a different WF device and/or for being programmable via the interface platform 230 for being configured to control a specific WF device. [0098] According to some embodiments, the modular controller 200’ may also be configured for removable installation of one or more detachable communication units such as detachable communication unit 54 , configured to enable communication between each installed other controlling and/or monitoring detachable unit with a respective WF device. [0099] According to some embodiments, one or more additional units may be installable within the modular controller 200’ where in a modular/removable or stationary manner such as a chlorination controlling unit 241 (which may be removable) and/or a gasification unit 242(which may be removable/detachable or stationary, e.g., requiring a more complicated installation and/or removal. [0100] According to some embodiments, the gasification unit 242 may be configured for generating Ozone gas e and delivering the generated Ozone gas into the WF water via one or more delivery means. [0101] The Ozone generation may be used as one example of a water disinfecting treatment and may render the chlorination disinfection unit optional or redundant, depending on the state of the WF water, user’s choice and/or time dependent. For example, the gasification may be operated in an ongoing, continuous or a more frequent manner, where the chlorination may be operated upon identification of a hazardous pollution situation or under less frequent basis. [0102] The chlorination may include discharging/introducing/dispensing of one or more chlorine-based substances into the WF water. [0103] According to some embodiments, the modular controller 200’ may be encased via an encasement 205 that may be waterproof and be openable in a sealable manner such that when it is closed or locked it is waterproof and/or weatherproof and is openable to enable access at least to the connecting platform 210 and optionally also to the interface device 230 . [0104] The modular controller 200’ or at least one part thereof may not be designed for being installed inside water but may be weatherproofed and/or waterproofed for enabling placing it in an outdoor environment. In some embodiments, one or more components of the modular controller 200’ may be submersible. [0105] According to some embodiments, as mentioned above, the modular controller 200’ may enable removable installation of detachable units configured for one or more of: [0106] controlling one or more WF devices such as one or more water treatment devices; [0107] monitoring WF water by enabling receiving and optionally also analyzing sensor data from one or more monitoring devices of the WF and received from cloud or other external source; [0108] monitoring and/or controlling external devices/system; and/or [0109] performing of one or more water treatment (such as gas generation) and/or delivering water treatment products to the WF. [0110] As mentioned above, the WF devices may be configured to perform any one or more of: [0111] treating the WF water or one or more portions/samples thereof e.g., by introducing one or more disinfecting, coloring and/or testing substances or reagents to the WF water or to one or more samples/portions thereof, applying mechanical forces such as vibrations or ultrasonic vibrations/signals over the WF water or one or more samples/portions thereof, ultraviolet (UV) illumination-based disinfection treatment, filtering and/or backwashing the WF water, etc.; [0112] obtaining water sample(s) from the WF water; and/or [0113] directing the WF or one or more portions thereof from the WF to one or more other devices, areas, containers, channels, etc. [0114] Reference is now made to Fig. 3 , schematically illustrating an exemplary modular WF device 70 , configured for modularly removing and adding/installing WF units therefrom and thereto. The modular WF device 70 may be configured of one or more detachably connectable modules for enabling performing one or more water treatments to the WF water and/or to monitor the WF water of the WF 30 . For example, one of the detachable modules may include a chlorinator 71 for controllably performing a chlorination treatment to the WF water, another exemplary detachable module may include a gasification module 72 , where another detachable module may be a monitoring module 73 . All available detachable modules such as modules 71-73 may be fluidly and removably connectable to one another via connectors such as a pipeline connection 74 , where water flow between the units may be controllable via one or more valves such as controllable valve 75 . At least one of the connected and used detachable modules such as monitoring module 73 may removably and controllably connect to an inlet connector 77 enabling water from the WF 30 to be directed towards the detachable unit(s) and an outlet connector 78 enabling water from the modular WF device 70 to be drained therefrom. [0115] Each of the inlet connector 77 and/or outlet connector 78 may be using the same or different one or more pumps for ingressing and/or egressing of water, respectively. One or more valves may also be used to control flow into and out of the modular WF device. [0116] According to some embodiments, the one or more detachable units of the modular controller 200/200’ may connect (communication and/or control wise) each newly added detachable module of the modular WF device 70 to the respective detachable unit, e.g., by adding control and/or communication definitions to the detachable unit of the specific WF device 70 and/or by adding or removing a different detachable unit to the modular controller 200/200’per each detachable module being added or removed, respectively. [0117] Reference is now made to Fig. 4 showing main steps of a process for installing a detachable unit to a controller, according to some embodiments. This process include the main steps of: [0118] Once a user wishes to customize the modular controller of his/her WF (step 41 ), and has selected a detachable unit to be installed at the modular controller (step 42 ): [0119] the user installs the detachable unit by placing it in a vacant receiving unit of the modular controller ensuring electrical and/or data communication connection therebetween (step 43 ); and [0120] if required, adjusting/customizing one or more operational parameters, properties and/or definitions for enabling interfacing with one or more devices/components/protocols of the modular controller (step 44 ), e.g., by using a designated user interface. [0121] According to some embodiments the adjustment/programming/customization of the detachable unit of the modular controller may be done by requiring the user to reprogram, adjust settings, threshold values and/or ranges of parameter values by inputting or selecting such input information identifying the added detachable unit and one or more of its communication and/processing programs or by sending such information to the modular controller via a designated software or application. [0122] EXAMPLES [0123] Example 1 is a modular controller for controlling one or more devices associated with a water facility (WF), the modular controller comprising at least: [0124] at least one connecting platform configured for removably connecting to one or more detachable units, wherein at least one of the one or more detachable units is a detachable controller configured at least for controlling operation of at least one device associated with the WF, and wherein the at least one connecting platform enables a user to customize the modular controller at least by removing or selecting and installing therein one or more detachable units. [0125] In example 2, the subject matter of example 1 may include, wherein each connecting platform is configured at least for connecting one or more detachable units to a data communication port, for enabling data communication of the specific detachable unit. [0126] In example 3, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 2 may include, wherein the one or more detachable units comprise one or more of: one or more monitoring devices and/or one or more treatment devices configured to apply water treatment to the water of the WF or to one or more samples of the WF water. [0127] In example 4, the subject matter of example 3 may include, wherein the one or more monitoring devices comprise at least one sensor for sensing at least one characteristics of water of the WF. [0128] In example 54, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 4 may include, wherein at least one of the one or more detachable units is a removable controller configured at least for controlling of at least one WF device associated with the WF that is configured for one or more of: [0129] - monitoring one or more characteristics of the WF and/or of the WF water; [0130] - treating of the WF water and/or one or more samples or portions thereof; [0131] - monitoring and/or controlling operation of one or more WF devices; [0132] - communicating with one or more WF devices; [0133] - generating one or more substances; and/or [0134] - controlling flow and/or sampling of water of the WF. id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135" id="p-135"

[0135] In example 6, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 5 may include, where the modular controller further comprises a stationary or detachable gasification unit configured for generating gas molecules and introducing generated gas molecules into the water of the WF. [0136] In example 7, the subject matter of example 6 may include, wherein the gasification unit comprises an Ozone generator, for generating Ozone gas molecules. [0137] In example 8, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 7 may include, where the modular controller further comprises a detachable or stationary chlorination unit, configured at least for controlling at least one chlorination device, configured for introducing one or more chlorine-based substance to the WF water. [0138] In example 9, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 8 may include, where the modular controller further comprises a waterproof encasing that can be open and closed for enabling replacement or adding of selected detachable units to each of the at least one connecting platform of the modular controller. [0139] In example 10, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 9 may include, where the modular controller further comprises an interfacing unit configured for enabling a user to reprogram, adjust settings, threshold values and/or ranges of parameter values and/or customize operation at least of one or more of the one or more detachable units. [0140] In example 11, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 10 may include, wherein at least one of the one or more detachable units comprises a communication unit configured for supporting communication via one or more communication networks and/or protocols. [0141] In example 12, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 11 may include, wherein at least one of the one or more detachable units comprises at least one processing unit. [0142] In example 13, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 12 may include, wherein the modular controller is further configured to communicate with at least one remote server that is configured to receive and process data associated with the WF. [0143] In example 14, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 13, wherein the WF is a swimming pool. id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144" id="p-144"

[0144] In example 15, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 14 may include, wherein the one or more devices associated with the WF comprise one or more of: [0145] - one or more water treatment devices; [0146] - one or more filters and/or one or more water pumps; [0147] - pipeline of the WF and/or part thereof; [0148] - one or more monitoring devices; [0149] -one or more external devices. [0150] In example 16, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 15 may include, where the modular controller further comprises a power supply module configured for controlling power supply to at least one of the one or more detachable units connected via the at least one connecting platform. [0151] Example 17 is a system for monitoring at least one water facility (WF) and controlling one or more devices associated with each WF, the monitoring and control may include system comprising at least: [0152] one of more WF devices associated with the specific WF; and [0153] at least one modular controller having at least one connecting platform for removably connecting to one or more detachable units, wherein at least one of the one or more detachable units is a detachable controller configured at least for controlling operation of at least one WF device of a specific WF. [0154] In example 17, the subject matter of example 17 may include, wherein each connecting platform of the at least one modular controller is configured at least for connecting one or more detachable units to a data communication port, for enabling data communication of the specific detachable unit with one or more monitoring devices and/or one or more treatment devices of the WF, for monitoring and/or controlling one or more properties of the WF. [0155] In example 19, the subject matter of example 18 may include, wherein the one or more monitoring devices comprise at least one sensor for sensing at least one characteristics of water of the WF. [0156] In example 20, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 17 to 19 may include, wherein at least one of the one or more detachable units is configured for controlling of at least one WF device associated with the WF that is configured for one or more of: [0157] - monitoring one or more characteristics of the WF and/or of the WF water; [0158] - treating of the WF water and/or one or more samples or portions thereof; [0159] - monitoring and/or controlling operation of one or more WF devices; [0160] - communicating with one or more WF devices; [0161] - generating one or more substances; and/or [0162] - controlling flow and/or sampling of water of the WF. [0163] In example 21, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 17 to 20 may include, wherein the at least one modular controller further comprises an interfacing unit configured for enabling a user to reprogram, adjust settings, threshold values and/or ranges of parameter values and/or customize operation at least of one or more of the one or more detachable units. [0164] In example 22, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 17 to 21 may include, wherein at least one of the one or more detachable units comprises a communication unit configured for supporting communication via one or more communication networks and/or protocols. [0165] In example 23, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 17 to 22 may include, wherein at least one of the one or more detachable units comprises at least one processing unit. [0166] In example 24, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 17 to 23 may include, wherein the system is further configured to communicate with at least one remote server that is configured to receive and process data associated with the WF. [0167] In example 25, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 17 to 24 may include, wherein the one or more WF devices associated with the WF comprise one or more of: [0168] - one or more water treatment devices; [0169] - one or more filters and/or one or more water pumps; [0170] - pipeline of the WF and/or part thereof; [0171] - one or more monitoring devices; [0172] -one or more external devices. id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173" id="p-173"

[0173] In example 26, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 17 to 25 may include, wherein at least one of the one or more WF devices is modular enabling removing and adding of detachable modules thereto. [0174] In example 27, the subject matter of example 26 may include, wherein each detachable module is configured for one or more of: [0175] - performing a specific water treatment to water of the WF or to one or more portions or samples thereof; [0176] - monitoring one or more characteristics of the WF of water thereof; [0177] - generating one or more substances; and/or [0178] - controllably directing of water within the modular WF device. [0179] It is to be understood that the disclosed subject matter is not limited in its application to the details set forth in the description contained herein or illustrated in the drawings. The presently disclosed subject matter is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Hence, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present presently disclosed subject matter. [0180] It will also be understood that the system according to the presently disclosed subject matter can be implemented, at least partly, as a suitably programmed computer. Likewise, the presently disclosed subject matter contemplates a computer program being readable by a computer for executing the disclosed method. The presently disclosed subject matter further contemplates a machine-readable memory tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine for executing the disclosed method.

Claims (27)

1. CLAIMS1. A modular controller for controlling one or more devices associated with a water facility (WF), the modular controller comprising at least: at least one connecting platform configured for removably connecting to one or more detachable units, wherein at least one of the one or more detachable units is a detachable controller configured at least for controlling operation of at least one device associated with the WF, and wherein the at least one connecting platform enables a user to customize the modular controller at least by removing or selecting and installing therein one or more detachable units.

2. The modular controller of claim 1, wherein each connecting platform is configured at least for connecting one or more detachable units to a data communication port, for enabling data communication of the specific detachable unit.

3. The modular Controller of claim 1, wherein the one or more detachable units comprise one or more of: one or more monitoring devices and/or one or more treatment devices configured to apply water treatment to the water of the WF or to one or more samples of the WF water.

4. The modular controller of claim 3, wherein the one or more monitoring devices comprise at least one sensor for sensing at least one characteristics of water of the WF.

5. The modular controller of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the one or more detachable units is a removable controller configured at least for controlling of at least one WF device associated with the WF that is configured for one or more of: - monitoring one or more characteristics of the WF and/or of the WF water; - treating of the WF water and/or one or more samples or portions thereof; - monitoring and/or controlling operation of one or more WF devices; - communicating with one or more WF devices; - generating one or more substances; and/or - controlling flow and/or sampling of water of the WF.

6. The modular controller of any one of claims 1 to 5 further comprising a stationary or detachable gasification unit configured for generating gas molecules and introducing generated gas molecules into the water of the WF.

7. The modular controller of claim 6, wherein the gasification unit comprises an Ozone generator, for generating Ozone gas molecules.

8. The modular controller of any one of claims 1 to 7 further comprising a detachable or stationary chlorination unit, configured at least for controlling at least one chlorination device, configured for introducing one or more chlorine-based substance to the WF water.

9. The modular controller of any one of claims 1 to 8 further comprising a waterproof encasing that can be open and closed for enabling replacement or adding of selected detachable units to each of the at least one connecting platform of the modular controller.

10. The modular controller of any one of claims 1 to 9 further comprising an interfacing unit configured for enabling a user to reprogram, adjust settings, threshold values and/or ranges of parameter values and/or customize operation at least of one or more of the one or more detachable units.

11. The modular controller of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one of the one or more detachable units comprises a communication unit configured for supporting communication via one or more communication networks and/or protocols.

12. The modular controller of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one of the one or more detachable units comprises at least one processing unit. 30

13. The modular controller of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the modular controller is further configured to communicate with at least one remote server that is configured to receive and process data associated with the WF.

14. The modular controller of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the WF is a swimming pool.

15. The modular controller of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the one or more devices associated with the WF comprise one or more of: - one or more water treatment devices; - one or more filters and/or one or more water pumps; - pipeline of the WF and/or part thereof; - one or more monitoring devices; -one or more external devices.

16. the modular controller of any one of claims 1 to 15 further comprising a power supply module configured for controlling power supply to at least one of the one or more detachable units connected via the at least one connecting platform.

17. A system for monitoring at least one water facility (WF) and controlling one or more devices associated with each WF, the monitoring and control system comprising at least: one of more WF devices associated with the specific WF; and at least one modular controller having at least one connecting platform for removably connecting to one or more detachable units, wherein at least one of the one or more detachable units is a detachable controller configured at least for controlling operation of at least one WF device of a specific WF.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein each connecting platform of the at least one modular controller is configured at least for connecting one or more detachable units to a data communication port, for enabling data communication of the specific detachable unit with one or more monitoring devices and/or one or more treatment devices of the WF, for monitoring and/or controlling one or more properties of the WF.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the one or more monitoring devices comprise at least one sensor for sensing at least one characteristics of water of the WF.

20. The system of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein at least one of the one or more detachable units is configured for controlling of at least one WF device associated with the WF that is configured for one or more of: - monitoring one or more characteristics of the WF and/or of the WF water; - treating of the WF water and/or one or more samples or portions thereof; - monitoring and/or controlling operation of one or more WF devices; - communicating with one or more WF devices; - generating one or more substances; and/or - controlling flow and/or sampling of water of the WF.

21. The system of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the at least one modular controller further comprises an interfacing unit configured for enabling a user to reprogram, adjust settings, threshold values and/or ranges of parameter values and/or customize operation at least of one or more of the one or more detachable units.

22. The system of any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein at least one of the one or more detachable units comprises a communication unit configured for supporting communication via one or more communication networks and/or protocols.

23. The system of any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein at least one of the one or more detachable units comprises at least one processing unit.

24. The system of any one of claims 17 to 23 is further configured to communicate with at least one remote server that is configured to receive and process data associated with the WF.

25. The system of any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the one or more WF devices associated with the WF comprise one or more of: - one or more water treatment devices; - one or more filters and/or one or more water pumps; - pipeline of the WF and/or part thereof; - one or more monitoring devices; -one or more external devices.

26. the system of any one of claims 17 to 25, wherein at least one of the one or more WF devices is modular enabling removing and adding of detachable modules thereto.

27. the system of claim 26, wherein each detachable module is configured for one or more of: - performing a specific water treatment to water of the WF or to one or more portions or samples thereof; - monitoring one or more characteristics of the WF of water thereof; - generating one or more substances; and/or - controllably directing of water within the modular WF device.