WO2012170772A1

WO2012170772A1 - Universal valve control system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2012170772A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/041485
Authority: WO
Inventors: Theodore Eller; Jim Spraker
Original assignee: Mount Everest Technologies, Llc
Priority date: 2011-06-09
Filing date: 2012-06-08
Publication date: 2012-12-13

Abstract

A system and method for monitoring and controlling the level of media in a space. The method may include monitoring characteristics of media contained within the space using a plurality of sensors, measuring the characteristics from the plural sensors, and controlling the level of media contained within the space using a primary characteristic such as media type and a secondary characteristic such as media level when at least one of the two characteristics meets a predetermined threshold by actuating a device in the space. Exemplary devices may be valves or pumps. In one embodiment, the primary characteristic overrides the secondary characteristic.

Description

UNIVERSAL VALVE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to and claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/495,165 filed June 9, 201 1, entitled "Universal Valve Control System," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This application is related to International Application No. PCT/US2010/ 025560, filed February 26, 2010, entitled "Level Sensor System," and is related to International Application No. PCT/US2011/060570, filed November 14, 2011, entitled "Sensor System," the disclosure of each being incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Pumps may be employed to remove media from one compartment to another. There are a wide variety of pumps available in the art including, but not limited to, displacement pumps such as reciprocating power, stem, rotary and pistonless pumps, centrifugal and axial-flow flow pumps, high vacuum pumps, as well as fans and compressors.

[0004] There are also a wide variety of systems for controlling such pumps; however, there is a need in the art to provide a system and method for automating, controlling, and analyzing electric systems or similar devices non-mechanically and/or as a function of the media being displaced.

SUMMARY

[0005] One embodiment of the present subject matter provides a system for monitoring and controlling the level of media in a space. The system may include a sensor module located in the space, the sensor module having a first microprocessor in communication with a device in the space, the first microprocessor providing functional commands to the device, and a plurality of sensors, each measuring at least one

- l - characteristic of media contained within the space. The system may also include a control module in communication with the sensor module, the control module having a second microprocessor which controls the sensor module and monitors the

characteristics, wherein the level of media in the space is controlled as a function of both media type and media level. In one embodiment, the device may be a valve or pump, and control of the device using media level may be overridden by media type.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present subject matter provides a method for monitoring and controlling the level of media in a space. The method may include monitoring characteristics of media contained within the space using a plurality of sensors, and measuring the characteristics from the plural sensors. The method may also include controlling the level of media contained within the space using a primary characteristic and a secondary characteristic when at least one of the two characteristics meets a predetermined threshold by actuating a device in the space. Exemplary devices may include valves or pumps. Further, the primary characteristic may be media type and the secondary characteristic media level whereby the primary characteristic may override the secondary characteristic when controlling the device.

[0007] These and other embodiments of the present subject matter will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains from a perusal or the claims, the appended drawings, and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is an illustration of a valve controller system according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0009] Figure 2 is an illustration of a sensor module according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0010] Figure 3 is a flow diagram of a typical client-server system.

[001 1] Figures 4A and 4B are a flow diagrams of a calibration process for a WUVCS according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0012] Figure 5 is a valve control flow diagram according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0013] Figure 6 is a flow diagram of a calibration process for a WUVCS according to another embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0014] Figure 7 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] With reference to the figures, where like elements have been given like numerical designations to facilitate an understanding of the present subject matter, the various embodiments of a universal valve control system and method are described.

[0016] Figure 1 is an illustration of a valve controller system according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. With reference to Figure 1, an exemplary WUVCS 100 according to an embodiment of the present subject may detect any number of media or substances having a level above a set point for use in, by way of non-limiting examples, a fountain, pool, lake, tank, hot tub, aquarium, compartment, chamber, reservoir, hose, passage or any other apparatus needing monitoring, control and/or level of such media. WUVCS and command or control module (CM) are used interchangeably in this disclosure and such use should not limit the scope of the claims appended herewith. The system 100 may also be used to determine when to activate and/or deactivate a function to evacuate or fill a substance (fluid in this non-limiting example) from a chamber based on information received by a sensor module (SM) (see Figure 2). The SM may include sensors and sensing electronics for the system. Additionally, the SM may include a microprocessor module that processes information from the sensors to make a determination whether a substance is in the chamber, and when to actuate (i.e., turn on, off or regulate) a respective device (i.e., pump or valve). The SM may be embodied as a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0017] For example, one embodiment of the present subject matter provides a

WUVCS 100 having a set of PCBs that manages the real-time level or amount of media. The WUVCS 100 may include a variety of sensors 102, 104 including, but not limited to, capacitive sensors and the like. For example, level sensors may be employed having a variety of geometries, e.g., focused, non-focused, fringe, proximity, convergence, divergence, etc. geometries. Further, an exemplary WUVCS 100 may function in a stand-alone mode, i.e., hardwired from a respective sensor module to a control valve 1 10 or device using, e.g., 24VAC 106 or in a DC configuration.

[0018] In another embodiment of the present subject matter, an exemplary system may transmit status information in the form of "events" and/or status and control signals to a remote, central computer for processing, via Radio Frequency (RF) and/or via an AC/DC power line, or via other lines, and then may provide this same control data and status to a wireless valve control system (WVCS) or SM. WVCS and SM are used interchangeably in this disclosure and such use should not limit the scope of the claims appended herewith. An exemplary WVCS may include a micro controller 1 12, an RF transceiver 114 (e.g., an X-BEE transceiver or another transceiver), and electronic controlled switch, a power supply 105, among other components. During operation, if an action has exceeded a preset parameter from the WUVCS 100, i.e., the media amount, type and/or level has risen or fallen below a set point or threshold (the level may be set to any desired threshold), then an "event" message will be sent to the central computer and to the WVCS for processing, for status indication 120, and for providing control of the respective device.

[0019] An exemplary WUVCS may also contain sub systems which provide additional input for control of a respective device. For example, one embodiment may use an Ambient Light Level Detector (ALLD) 121 and control valve flow conditions if selected to save water at night time, for example, by shutting down the flow valve and stopping all pumps. Another embodiment may use a relative humidity detector (e.g., a Local Area Humidity Detector (LAHD)) 122 whereby humidity data can be used as a logic decision based upon local relative humidly. This may provide a method of conserving water or other media if detected levels are above or below selected set points. Another detector (e.g., a Local Area Rain Detector (LARD)) 124 may be used to detect the presence of rain and thus conserve water in rainy conditions. The main computer may be, in one embodiment, connected to the Internet and/or to a wireless provider so events are reported to a user and provide a user with control/monitor of the status of the UVCS. For example, in one embodiment, a user may employ a remote device to control the system and its associated sensors. A calibration button 126 may also be provided to allow on site calibration of the device rather than remotely controlled calibration.

[0020] Figure 2 is an illustration of a sensor module (SM) according to an

embodiment of the present subject matter. With reference to Figure 2, an SM 200 may include two or more sensors 204, 206 on the respective PCB. Of course, any number of sensors may be used (e.g., up to 256 or more) and included in the SM 200.

[0021] In one embodiment, a low sensor 204 and a high sensor 206 may be positioned vertically above a water level of a fountain in this case, with the high sensor 206 being disposed vertically above the low sensor 204. In the event that a further high sensor is used, such a sensor would be disposed vertically above the first high sensor 206 on the SM 200. In one particular embodiment, the sensor may be is disposed 2.5 inches (or adjusted as needed) above the sensor on the SM 200. The microprocessor 208 may monitor the media level and/or type in a respective chamber relative to the lower edge 205 of the low sensor 204. In the present particular embodiment, the lower edge 205 of low sensor 204 may be about 0.750 inches above the water level. The lower edge 207 of the high sensor 206 may be about 4.25 inches above the respective compartment floor. In an embodiment using a second high sensor (not shown), the lower edge of the high-high sensor may be about 7.25 inches above the compartment floor. These sensors may be positioned vertically but also horizontally or at any location that meets the a user's needs. Finally, sensors may be positioned in any number of positions and additional sensors added as needed for monitoring and control. Thus, it follows that inputs to the SM and the outputs to be controlled may be added and expanded upon to meet a specific user's needs.

[0022] In one embodiment, the low sensor 204 and high sensor 206 may operate by detecting a capacitive change in a sensor that senses a ratio of matter to air. For example, the ratio of water to air can be approximately 125: 1. Any change in this ratio may be monitored in the system 200. The SM 200 may be located in the chamber such that the sensors 204, 206 are exposed to be contacted by any media in the chamber that rises to the level of the sensors 204, 206. In one embodiment, the depth of penetration of a sensing field of the sensors 204, 206 may be approximately ¾" (0.75 inches) up to 2-3/4" (2.75 inches). Other calibrations may be used to change with the substance being measured/controlled. The distance between the sensors may be adjusted to suit the application and even further separation may be realized with additional line-drives and conditioning.

[0023] Sensing may be achieved by monitoring sensors for a frequency change from a preset Baseline using an on-board microprocessor 208, which then monitors for a change in frequency to be received from the sensors 204, 206. In one embodiment, detection of the frequency change may be determined using a frequency discriminator or detector 202. Further, such a discriminator or detector may include a circuit 203 having a reference base oscillator that may or may not be temperature dependent (e.g., exposed to the environment within the space or compartment) to thereby track temperature changes for circuitry and other components in an exemplary SM 200. Exemplary oscillators may be, but are not limited to, a free running oscillator, a temperature compensated oscillator, a temperature dependent oscillator, or other known oscillator. The absence of a response from either of the sensors as determined by firmware calibration and measurement algorithms, or a reduced frequency response may indicate that only air is present at that sensor while an increase frequency response may indicate level, different media, or slosh conditions. A full response received by the microprocessor 208 from either of the sensors 204, 206 may indicate media immersion/change of the responding sensor. The microprocessor 208 may intelligently discriminate these conditions (i.e., level and/or type of media) and make a decision on whether or not to actuate the system, by opening or closing the RF switch 210. In one embodiment, the RF switch 210 may be a 100 amp MOSFET switch that is electronically controlled by the microprocessor 208 to actuate the respective device or valve 220.

[0024] In another embodiment, the device 220 may be actuated by the microprocessor 208, by closing the RF switch 210 if it is determined that the level or media type in the compartment has exceeded the lower edge 207 of the high sensor 206. In the present embodiment, the system 200 remains on, under control of the microprocessor 208, until it has been determined that the reading (i.e., media type and/or level) in the compartment has fallen to below the level of the low sensor 204, at which time the microprocessor 208 opens the RF switch 210 to deactivate the system. In this embodiment, the system is not reactivated until the microprocessor 208 again determines that the matter has risen above the level of (i.e., has saturated) the high sensor 206 and/or the type of matter has changed. Also this scheme may provide hysteresis and slosh immunity to the system.

[0025] If desired, an exemplary system may be activated by the foregoing scheme, as well as, remotely by a computer and/or by a user command received in the

microprocessor 208. For example, in one embodiment, when the level is present above a preset base, the SM microprocessor 208 may initiate a transmission of information from a transceiver 211 to a remote command module (CM) transceiver 1 14. In response to this information, the CM 100 may directly actuate the system or other device 220 through the SM microprocessor 208. Additionally, if desired, a plurality of systems or other devices may be included in the compartment and controlled by the microprocessor 208 and/or the microprocessor 112 of the CM 100.

[0026] The SM 200 may also include other types of sensors and modules for monitoring other conditions relating to the SM 200 and/or the compartment. For example, the SM 200 may also include a GPS module, a battery level sensor, a voltage sensor and a temperature sensor, among other sensors. Additionally, the SM 200 may include an acceleration sensor or accelerometer that may be monitored and/or controlled by the microprocessor 208. Information from the accelerometer may be used, for example, to determine the mounted location of the SM 200. Many other uses may be made of the accelerometer. Additionally, if desired, a camera module may be included in the SM 200 to capture video images of the surrounding area. The camera module may provide a serial output to the microprocessor 208 so information from the camera module is included in a data string sent by the microprocessor 208 to a remote computer for processing and image construction. The processed image data from the camera module may then be transmitted to a user device or to the Internet for display on a website, as desired. Information received from the GPS module and sensors may be received and processed by the microprocessor 208.

[0027] The camera module and sensors may be included on the PCB forming the SM 200. A special calibration algorithm may also be used in the SM 200 to detect and compensate for the components, sensor pattern, sensor layout, sensor size, sensor distance from enclosure, and the enclosure's thickness. All sensors may be customizable to meet the media type to be detected and then ultimately controlled. The calibration algorithm may also establish a base capacitance detection to be the most sensitive on the enclosure surface close to the given sensor (high or low) position and/or as a function of the sensor shape and pattern configurations determining range, field shape, etc. A flow diagram showing the operation of the calibration algorithm is provided in Figures 3-5.

[0028] With continued reference to Figures 1 and 2, the SM 200 , and the components thereon, may be powered by any number of power sources. For example, if desired, the SM 200 may be powered by the 24 VAC 230 that is present in many settings where this system may be employed. Additionally, in one embodiment, a customer power supply may be used to power the SM processor 208, CM processor and/or may take its source from the main and regulate and filter the voltage to 5.0 VDC at 1 amp. An input range, in this particular embodiment, may be from 12 VDC to 36 VDC, and may be increased with a change of an on-board device to extend the range from between 12 VDC to 75 VDC. 24 VAC may generally be the standard voltage used in most valve controls but may be modified to use universal power supply inputs and to control universal loads connected to the system.

[0029] As can be seen more particularly from Figure 2, a DC power regulator 240 may be formed as part of the PCB containing the SM 200. Such a power regulator 240 may be capable of receiving a 24VAC input and is generally immune to power bus transients including environmental noise. In such a system, the PCB containing the SM 200 would draw less than 1 milliamp nominal, making it ideal for long term battery operations as needed. In one embodiment, the SM 200 and devices 220 may be powered by 12 to 36 VDC batteries.

[0030] An exemplary SM 200 may be configured to communicate status and control information to a remote location. For example, the SM 200 may communicate status and control information from a transceiver 211 located proximate to the SM 200 (i.e., within the same compartment. This transceiver 21 1 may thus permit the SM 200 to

communicate, bi- or uni-directionally, with a CM 100 (see Figure 1). In the present embodiment, the microprocessor 208 may communicate with the CM 100 by wireless X- BEE Protocol RF through transceiver(s) 21 1. Of course, the RF transceiver may be replaced by a wired connection between the SM 200 and CM 100. Similarly, the transceivers may communicate using different known wireless systems, including, but not limited to, UHF band, WiFi, Bluetooth, and the like.

[0031] With reference to Figure 1, the CM 100 may include a main computer or processor including a CM microprocessor or CPU 112 arranged to monitor and control the functions of the system. A display or monitor and keyboard or other input device may be provided to permit user communication with the microprocessor 112.

Additionally, the microprocessor 112 may be programmed by firmware and/or software stored in a memory associated with the computer and executed to perform defined functions in the same manner as is done in conventional computers/microprocessors.

[0032] The CM microprocessor 112 may communicate with the SM microprocessor 208 using a communications module or wireless modem including a transceiver. More particularly, the CM transceiver 114 may communicate information to and from the transceiver 21 1 of the SM 200. Each of the transceivers 114, 21 1 may be powered by a regulated 5V DC power source. In one embodiment, the transceivers may communicate wirelessly, using RE antennas. In another embodiment, the transceivers are XBEE® or XBEE-PRO® RF transceivers, produced by Digi International Inc. Such XBEE® or XBEE-PRO® RF transceivers may exhibit performance characteristics such as a power output of 63 mW (+18 dBm) North American version, a power output of 10 mW (+10 dBm) International version, and indoor/urban range of up to 300 ft (90m), and outdoor/RF line-of-sight range of up to 1 mile (1.6 km) RF LOS, an RF data rate of 250 bps, and interface data rate of up to 1 15.2 Kbps, an operating frequency of 2.4 GHz, and a receiver sensitivity of -lOOdBm.

[0033] The XBEE® or XBEE-PRO® RF transceiver may also exhibit networking characteristics such as a spread spectrum technology utilizing direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) technology, a networking topology that permits point-to-point, point- to-multipoint and peer-to-peer networking, an error handling that permits retries and acknowledgements, filtration options that include PAN ID, Channel and 64-bit addresses, a channel capacity of in XBEE® 16 channels, in XBEE-PRO® 12 channels, and 65,000 network addresses available for each channel.

[0034] An exemplary communications system may be configured using a typical COM port on a personal computer and, thus configured, may permit a wireless modem, bidirectional link to be made with the SM 200 within a predetermined distance. Within this link, the CM 100 may become a master controller and the SM 200 may become a slave device. A plurality of SMs may be controlled by a single CM 100 using only one or many RF channel(s), if desired. The advantages provided by the use of the

communications system and transceiver, and more particularly, in integrating them into a system may include controlling of all logic being performed in a processing program running on a computer, such as the microprocessor of the CM or a remote computer and/or a server program which listens for commands from the remote computer or from the Internet. Additional advantages may include bidirectional wireless communications between the CM 100 and the SM 200 and sensor events from the SM sensors and associated sensor or measurement modules may be transmitted from the SM 200 to the CM 100.

[0035] The SM 200 may have several sensors or measurement modules that are monitored and processed to permit monitoring of such things as substance or media level and/or type via the capacitive sensors, battery level, temperature, voltages present at the pump(s), and a GPS data stream, to name a few. The CM processor 112 may be configured to send commands to the SM 200 in a bidirectional system. Further, any or all data may be present and available for processing, control and commands via the Internet, as well as via special server software resident on the Internet and/or the host computer (processors 112, 208). The use of the XBEE® or XBEE-PRO® transceivers, in particular, may provide for a simple communications protocol, wherein 2 byte commands from the CM 100 are sent to the SM 200 and one multi-length data sensor reading can be sent from the SM 200 to the processor 1 12. Confirmation for each received command may be provided by the SM 200 and the processor 1 12 of the CM 100. In one

embodiment, for every command sent, the response may be given by "OK->". If, however, this data set is not received, then the software running on the respective microprocessor may report an error, a loss of signal, or that an event that did not occur, etc. Each SM 200 and the controlling processor 208 may be provided with independent identifications. Thus, one exemplary embodiment may provide an expandable capability of greater than 65,000 IDs.

[0036] An exemplary system may also include a handheld controller utilized as a service tool. The handheld controller may contain a compatible RF transceiver to permit bidirectional communications with the RF transceivers in the SM. In one particular, non- limiting example, the RF transceiver of a handheld controller may be an XBEE® or XBEE-PRO® transceiver module, as previously described herein. Of course, the handheld controller may contain a different microcontroller that sends commands at a touch of a button to control a given device, such as but not limited to a pump, valve, and the like. This may allow a user to maintain full control of the system while servicing the device, even when away from the CM processor 112.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the CM 100 may be programmed to command, control or regulate the SM 200 to activate, deactivate or regulate one or more devices thus overriding the SM 200 in the event of a failure of the SM 200, or in accordance with a demand from a user. The CM 100 may also be used to retrieve and log statuses, including level, activation, and temperature history of the SM 200 using information received from any of the respective modules and/or sensors.

[0038] In one embodiment, the CM 100 may be mounted in a pool or similar area with a sensor positioned to sense the media (e.g., water) level for the respective high/low sensors. The CM 100 may monitor media level and/or type, temperature, and battery status of each SM 200 and may save a historical event record. More particularly, each of the GPS modules and/or sensors for each SM 200, if applicable, may provide information to the microprocessor 208 of that SM 200. In one embodiment the CM 100 may operate as a master controller, while the one or more SM unit(s) 200 act(s) as slave modules. Thus, for example, the CM 100 may poll each of the SMs 200 once per minute and wait for a response from each of the addressed SMs 200 until proceeding or defaulting to the next SM after a predetermined time-out.

[0039] An exemplary GPS module may or may not include its own microcontroller. The microcontroller of the GPS module may be programmed with software or firmware to provide for a continuous monitoring of any number of satellites providing latitude, longitude, altitude, speed and heading information which may be passed to applicable software at predetermined intervals and which may also be sent to a user via email, voice or other messaging alerts. An exemplary GPS microcontroller may be configured to communicate bi-directionally to receive commands from the CM or a remote computer and to respond to such commands with a corresponding data request.

[0040] If provided as part of an exemplary system, a GPS receiver module can be used to provide standard, raw MEA0183 (National Marine Electronics Association) strings or specific user-requested data via a serial command interface, to track any number of satellites, and provide WAAS/EGNOS (Wide Area Augmentation System/European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service) functionality for more accurate positioning results. Additionally, an exemplary GPS receiver module may be used to provide the current time, date, latitude, longitude, altitude, speed, and travel direction/heading, among other data, and may be used in a wide variety of commercial applications, including navigation, tracking systems, mapping, fleet management, and auto-pilot.

[0041] In one embodiment, satellite information and/or measurements received by an exemplary GPS module may include coordinated universal time (UTC) at the position, latitude of the position, information indicating the north or south latitude hemisphere, information indicating the east or west longitude hemisphere, a GPS quality indicator (0=no fix, l=non-differential GPS fix, 2= differential GPS fix, 6=estimated fix), a number of satellites in use, horizontal dilution of precision, antenna altitude above mean- sea-level, geoidal height, an age of differential GPS data , and a differential reference station ID, to name a few.

[0042] In addition to the information identified above, an exemplary GPS module may use such information to generate and transmit interpreted sentences or "information" to the microprocessor 1 12 and/or 208 such as, but not limited to, a waypoint arrival alarm, GPS almanac data, autopilot format "B", bearing information - origin to destination, bearing and distance to waypoint - great circle, geographic position - latitude / longitude, GPS range residuals, GPS DOP and active satellites, GPS pseudo range noise statistics, GPS satellites in view, heading - true, control for a beacon receiver, beacon receiver status, a list of waypoints in currently active route, recommended minimum specific Loran-C data, recommended minimum navigation info, recommended minimum specific GPS/TRANSIT data, routes, transit fix data, multiple data ID, dual ground/water speed, track made good and ground speed, waypoint location, cross-track error - measured, and/or UTC date/time and local time zone offset.

[0043] An exemplary microprocessor 208 may receive the foregoing information from the GPS module, process the information, and forward at least a portion of the received information to the processor of the CM 100. Additionally, if desired, the microprocessor 112, 208 may be used to verify a checksum of the received data to check for transmission errors.

[0044] Information received from the GPS module may also be graphically

represented to a user on a display as part of a graphical user interface (GUI) readout that may include other parameters received from the SMs 200. Such a GUI may be designed to have the look of any application or may be customized per user requirements to adjust characteristics, such as, colors, logos, positions of controls, control shapes, among other characteristics. Further, the processors 208, 1 12 may be programmed with software to perform specific functions. In particular, cooperative software packages may be implemented to provide the monitoring and control of the system such as fluid level and or type detection at each SM, rate of fluid rise and fall, ambient temperature, system status warnings (voice, text, graphical, etc.) provided to a user locally or remotely and/or via a telephone, mobile, satellite, cellular and/or data network, battery level, general system condition, device(s) status, voice status, voice status alerts, temperature alerts, fluid status, graphical fluid indicator, GPS information and measurements at the main CM 100, master power control for the device control system, master relay controller with an RF interface, sensory interface to the sensor system, automatic control of connected devices that also provide simultaneous feedback to the GUI showing the present status and conditions, over-ride for all connected devices, voltage monitoring of all connected devices and controls to provide feedback that the actions requested have occurred, active Internet connection and monitoring, active emailing system to send status and alarms to the user, cell phone, text and SMS messaging via at least one of the user devices, cell phone control of the device under control (i.e., control of a defined pump or device from one of the user devices).

[0045] Additionally, software or firmware may be provided that configures the SM microcontroller 208 to perform a variety of functions, including but not limited to, providing continuous monitoring of the devices in the system, providing data from the device(s) via signals that are sent for processing and control, providing alarms and alerts in real time from the SM 200 to software running on the CM 100 (or remote computer) to provide monitoring and status controls for the system, and performing signal averaging to adjust for non-constant readings and to prevent the generation of false alarms or running of the system without data to/from the sensors.

[0046] In another embodiment, the CM 100 may include circuitry for communicating with a remote telephone and/or data network. The CM 100 may be configured to signal a transmitter that is preprogrammed to dial one or more telephone numbers when actuated. One exemplary, non-limiting transmitter may be a Bluetooth transmitting device. The RF communications transceiver may also be configured to communicate from the structure, vehicle or vessel to, for example, a pre-programmed cellular telephone number of the boat owner's choice to alert of a condition with the vessel, vehicle, structure or piece of equipment.

[0047] Exemplary systems may thus provide many means to allow the control and monitoring of an exemplary device and the surrounding area/compartment. This data may be sent via emails, SMS messages, MMS, Twitter, Internet Page uploads, and/or to mobile applications (i.e., cellular telephone, satellite phone, smartphone, etc.) for the monitoring and control of the system from remote locations. In one embodiment, the system may include a software algorithm for providing bidirectional control of a device from a personal computer, cell phone, satellite phone, smartphone, PDA, etc. Such a software algorithm may be useful with a server system implemented with embodiments of the present subject matter. In particular, stream-oriented socket programs may be provided that account for communication between a client and server of an exemplary system.

[0048] Figure 3 is a flow diagram of a typical client-server system. With reference to Figure 3, a typical logic flow in an exemplary client/server system is provide having web- based access to information from the SM 200. In certain embodiments, the server may start before the client and wait for the client to request a connection. The server may then continue to wait for additional client requests after the client connection has closed. The communications from a client to an exemplary system may be made by voice activated instructions to any device in the system and may thus control the function(s) or capability(ies) of any device and may also provide voice notification to the user.

[0049] Figures 4A and 4B are flow diagrams of a calibration process for a wireless universal valve control system (WUVCS) or CM according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. With reference to Figures 4A and 4B, in step 402, a

microprocessor in the WUVCS may be initialized and a respective valve or device turned off or secured. In step 404, a power on test of the WUVCS may be performed and calibration thereof initialized in step 406. The device may then determine if a valve or other component is indeed present in step 408 and if not, a signal will be sent to a user/microprocessor that a valve is not present in step 410 and a delay 414 provided such that a valve or other device may be attached or connected to the device as necessary. If a valve or other device is present in step 408, then a command will be sent to the device in step 412 and an appropriate indication provided, e.g., an LED or other indication. During operation of the device 416 calibration thereof may be initiated if a calibration button pressed at step 418. The low level sensor 420 may be read and the high level sensor 422 may be read and appropriate determinations made from these two readings at step 424. For example, if the level in an associated compartment is greater than a predetermined level (high or low level or a function thereof) at step 425, then a valve or other

component (e.g., a pump) secured, turned off or otherwise controlled. Additionally, if a different media is detected, i.e., oil instead of water, percentage humidity versus dry air, heavy gas versus normal air, etc., at step 425, then a valve or other component (e.g., a pump) secured, turned off 426 or otherwise controlled 428. It should be noted that while reference has been made to water and levels thereof, the claims appended herewith should not be so limited as embodiments of the present subject matter are applicable to any type of media, e.g., various liquids, gases and the like. Status indications (e.g., LEDs) may be provided at step 430 and appropriate statuses sent to the microprocessor at step 432. The aforementioned process may then be recommenced with the same setpoints and/or thresholds or different setpoints and thresholds at steps 434, 436.

[0050] Exemplary systems and methods may thus include sensors for controlling and detecting a compartment, container or space to be monitored to provide for continuous monitoring and control of media therein. In embodiments of the present subject matter, a user may interact with the system through use of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to thereby provide status and override control to/from a computer located in a control room or another area. Again, although embodiments have been and may be described as a fluid level sensor system for monitoring fluids and for controlling multiple different devices simultaneously, the present subject matter may be employed to monitor levels and control functions for any type of liquid, solids, air flow, pressure, electrical currents and heat and/or for actuating any desired event as a function of the media-type, level thereof or other appropriate monitoring functions. [0051] Figure 5 is a valve control flow diagram according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. With reference to Figure 5, in step 502, a new base or threshold may be determined for a sensor or multiple sensors (e.g., sensor level, etc.). In step 504, a determination of whether a low water level threshold and/or media type exists. If the level/type has not been met, then the pump, if on, may be turned off at step 510 and an appropriate status thereof sent to a microprocessor at step 512. If in step 504 the level and/or media type has been met, then a determination of whether a high water level threshold and/or media type exists at step 506. If the level/type has not been met, then the pump, if on, may be turned off at step 510 and an appropriate status thereof sent to a microprocessor at step 512; if the level and/or media type has been met, then the pump may be turned on at step 508 to pump down the applicable compartment. A status thereof may then be sent an appropriate microprocessor at step 512 and the system placed in wait for a command from the microprocessor at step 514.

[0052] Figure 6 is a flow diagram of a calibration process for a WUVCS according to another embodiment of the present subject matter. With reference to Figure 6, in step 602 a microprocessor in the WUVCS may be initialized and a respective valve or device turned off. In step 604, a power on test of the WUVCS may be performed. The device may then query a microprocessor and read applicable I/O ports for commands, steps 606, 608. If no commands are present, then the system may wait for a command at step 610. If a positive command is present at step 611 to turn on a valve or component then the appropriate control is provided at step 612 and the valve opened or component turned on. If a negative command is present at step 611, then the valve or component may be turned off at step 614. An appropriate status may then be sent to a microprocessor at step 616 and the system placed in delay to wait for additional commands at steps 618, 620.

[0053] Figure 7 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the present subject matter. With reference to Figure 7, a method 700 for monitoring and controlling the level of media in a space is provided. The space may be any confined space within a ship, vehicle, plane, office or other building or may also be unconfined to a space (i.e., external environment). The method may include at step 710 monitoring characteristics of media contained within the space using a plurality of sensors, and at step 720, measuring the characteristics from the plural sensors. In one embodiment, step 710 may include detecting a change in media type or level in the space as a function of frequency. The level of media contained within the space may be controlled at step 730 using a primary characteristic and a secondary characteristic when at least one of the two characteristics meets a predetermined threshold by actuating a device in the space. An exemplary device may be a valve or pump. In one embodiment, the primary characteristic may be media type and the secondary characteristic media level. In this embodiment, the primary characteristic may override the secondary characteristic for control (wireless or wireline) of the device. This control may be provided by a device remote to the space, such as, but not limited to, a mobile telephone, a cellular telephone, a smartphone, a satellite phone, a PDA, or a personal computer. Exemplary media types include, but are not limited to, liquid, solid, gas, water, oil, contaminated liquid, dry air, humid air, poisonous gas, heavy gas, and combinations thereof.

[0054] While the present subject matter has been described in its preferred form or embodiment with some degree of particularity, it is understood that this description has been given only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction, fabrication, and use, including the combination and arrangement of parts, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, although the subject matter is described herein as a sensor system for monitoring and controlling devices, the present subject matter is useful for monitoring a device and for actuating an event based on levels/inputs being monitored.

[0055] The present disclosure may be implemented by a general purpose computer programmed in accordance with the principals discussed herein. It may be emphasized that the above-described embodiments, particularly any "preferred" embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present disclosure and protected by the following claims.

[0056] Embodiments of the subject matter and the functional operations described in this specification can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them.

Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented as one or more computer program products, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a tangible program carrier for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus. The tangible program carrier can be a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, or a combination of one or more of them.

[0057] The term "processor" encompasses all apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers. The processor can include, in addition to hardware, code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of one or more of them.

[0058] A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, or declarative or procedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a standalone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0059] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

[0060] Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive

instructions and data from a read only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for performing instructions and one or more data memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computer need not have such devices. Moreover, a computer can be embedded in another device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console, a GPS receiver, to name just a few.

[0061] Computer readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms data memory including non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0062] To provide for interaction with a user, embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

[0063] Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described is this specification, or any combination of one or more such back end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a

communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN), e.g., the Internet.

[0064] The computing system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

[0065] While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0066] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products

[0067] As shown by the various configurations and embodiments illustrated in Figures 1-7, a universal valve control system and method have been described.

[0068] While preferred embodiments of the present subject matter have been described, it is to be understood that the embodiments described are illustrative only and that the scope of the invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims when accorded a full range of equivalence, many variations and modifications naturally occurring to those of skill in the art from a perusal hereof

Claims

We claim:

1. A system for monitoring and controlling the level of media in a space comprising:

a sensor module located in the space, the sensor module including:

a first microprocessor in communication with a device in the space, the first microprocessor providing functional commands to said device, and

a plurality of sensors, each measuring at least one characteristic of media contained within the space; and

a control module in communication with the sensor module, the control module including a second microprocessor which controls the sensor module and monitors said characteristics,

wherein the level of media in the space is controlled as a function of both media type and media level.

2. The system of Claim 1, wherein the device is a valve or pump.

3. The system of Claim 1, wherein the first microprocessor provides wireless commands to said device.

4. The system of Claim 1, wherein communication between said sensor and control modules is wireless.

5. The system of Claim 1, wherein more than one media type exists within the space.

6. The system of Claim 1, wherein the media type is selected from the group consisting of liquid, solid, gas, water, oil, contaminated liquid, dry air, humid air, poisonous gas, heavy gas, and combinations thereof.

7. The system of Claim 1, wherein said plurality of sensors further comprises a first sensor vertically positioned above a second sensor.

8. The system of Claim 1, wherein said sensor module and control module each include respective transceivers for transmitting and receiving information.

9. The system of Claim 1, wherein said space is disposed in a ship, vehicle, plane, office, or other confined space.

10. The system of Claim 1, wherein the sensor module includes a GPS module for providing information related to location.

1 1. The system of Claim 1, wherein control of said system is provided by a device remote to both modules.

12. The system of Claim 11, wherein the remote device is selected from the group consisting of a mobile telephone, a cellular telephone, a smartphone, a satellite phone, a PDA, and a personal computer.

13. The system of Claim 1, wherein the sensor module includes a camera module to process image information received from a camera in said space.

14. The system of Claim 1, wherein control of the device as a function of media level is overridden by media type.

15. The system of Claim 1, wherein the sensor module further comprises a frequency discrimination circuit to detect a change in frequency as a function of media type in the space.

16. The system of Claim 15, wherein the frequency discrimination circuit further comprises a reference oscillator adaptable to track temperature in the space.

17. A method for monitoring and controlling the level of media in a space comprising:

monitoring characteristics of media contained within the space using a plurality of sensors;

measuring the characteristics from the plural sensors; and

controlling the level of media contained within the space using a primary measured characteristic and a secondary measured characteristic when at least one of the two characteristics meets a predetermined threshold by actuating a device in the space.

18. The method of Claim 17, wherein the device is a valve or pump.

19. The method of Claim 17, wherein the primary characteristic is media type and the secondary characteristic is media level.

20. The method of Claim 19, wherein the primary characteristic overrides the secondary characteristic for control of the level.

21. The method of Claim 17, wherein the media type is selected from the group consisting of liquid, solid, gas, water, oil, contaminated liquid, dry air, humid air, poisonous gas, heavy gas, and combinations thereof.

22. The method of Claim 17, wherein the control is wireless.

23. The method of Claim 17, wherein the space is disposed in a ship, vehicle, plane, office, or other confined space.

24. The method of Claim 17, wherein the control is provided by a device remote to the space.

25. The method of Claim 24, wherein the remote device is selected from the group consisting of a mobile telephone, a cellular telephone, a smartphone, a satellite phone, a PDA, and a personal computer.

26. The method of Claim 17, wherein the step of monitoring further comprises detecting a change in media type or level in the space as a function of frequency.