WO2013030046A1 - Shower usage monitoring - Google Patents
Shower usage monitoring Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2013030046A1 WO2013030046A1 PCT/EP2012/066269 EP2012066269W WO2013030046A1 WO 2013030046 A1 WO2013030046 A1 WO 2013030046A1 EP 2012066269 W EP2012066269 W EP 2012066269W WO 2013030046 A1 WO2013030046 A1 WO 2013030046A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- sensor
- data
- shower
- rumble
- sound sensor
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F15/00—Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups G01F1/00 - G01F13/00 insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
- G01F15/06—Indicating or recording devices
Definitions
- the present invention relates to shower usage monitoring.
- the present inventors have found that shower usage can be conveniently and unobtrusively monitored by using a logger device incorporating a particular combination of sensors.
- Combining information from the sensors enables reduced recording of false events, leading to reduced energy consumption, lower power and memory requirements, greater device efficiency and greater ease of data analysis. This is especially advantageous in consumer behaviour analysis settings, where data capture may be required over prolonged periods of time.
- small low power devices are less likely to interfere with normal consumer activity, so the data collected is more representative of real behaviour.
- the invention provides a system suitable for monitoring shower usage, the system comprising:
- a programmable data logger which is positioned on the shower assembly, the data logger incorporating a rumble sensor, a sound sensor, a temperature sensor, a data store for the logging of data and switching means for triggering the operation of the sound sensor in response to initial signals of shower actuation generated by the rumble sensor, and
- the invention also provides a method for monitoring shower usage, including the steps of:
- a programmable data logger is positioned on the shower assembly.
- the logger is positioned so that its sensors can detect the sound and/or vibration created by water running through the shower assembly.
- the programmable data logger will generally be placed on the shower assembly in direct contact with a suitable surface of the shower assembly.
- the programmable data logger may typically be coupled to any exterior surface of any of the water- conducting shower components, for example the head, the hose or the pipework.
- a particular advantage of the system and method of this invention is that such exterior surfaces are generally easily accessible.
- the programmable data logger does not require plumbing or installation inside any pipework or fittings. In a preferred construction, the programmable data logger is firmly coupled to the shower head.
- the programmable data logger In order that it is not adversely affected by moisture or direct water contact, the programmable data logger will generally be water-resistant. For optimum
- the programmable data logger will most preferably be waterproof.
- the programmable data logger may suitably be encapsulated with a water-impervious material to provide an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of IP67.
- IP Ingress Protection
- IP ratings are developed by the European Committee for Electro Technical Standardization (NEMA IEC 60529 Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures - IP Code), specifying the
- the programmable data logger generally incorporates a power source, which is typically a DC power source such as a small (e.g. 3V) battery. To prolong battery life, a capacitor may be included. Alternatively the programmable data logger may be at least in part solar powered. As described above, the programmable data logger is most preferably encapsulated with a water-impervious material. In this case, it may be charged by induction coils provided in the programmable data logger and in a base unit.
- a power source typically a DC power source such as a small (e.g. 3V) battery.
- a capacitor may be included.
- the programmable data logger may be at least in part solar powered.
- the programmable data logger is most preferably encapsulated with a water-impervious material. In this case, it may be charged by induction coils provided in the programmable data logger and in a base unit.
- the sound sensor incorporated in the programmable data logger is adapted to detect sounds associated with the use of the shower and to generate signals corresponding to the detected sounds.
- the sound sensor is an audio transducer, such as a microphone.
- Suitable microphones include contact microphones, otherwise known as pickup or piezo (piezo-electric) microphones, which are designed to transmit audio vibrations through solid objects.
- the sound and/or vibrations which are detected by the sound sensor during use of the shower are filtered through a hardware filter on-board the programmable logger, which is designed to capture the portion of the signal within a specified bandwidth which is indicative of the sounds from water running through the shower assembly.
- the temperature sensor incorporated in the programmable data logger gives valuable information about the water temperature during showering. Typically, the temperature sensor is triggered only when a showering event is being logged. The rate of change of the water temperature as detected by the temperature sensor provides an indicator that a real showering event is being recorded.
- a thermistor is a suitable type of temperature sensor for the purposes of the present invention.
- the data store incorporated in the programmable data logger preferably incorporates erasable non-volatile memory. Erasable (rewritable) memory allows re-use of the data logger. Non-volatile memory is preferable because this means the memory is protected in case of a loss of power (e.g. in the case of battery powered devices, when the battery loses power).
- the data logger is programmable, and typically contains a programmable computing device, such as a microprocessor (e.g. a microcontroller) which is capable of reading and executing program instructions to control the various components within the toothbrush usage monitoring system of the invention.
- a microprocessor e.g. a microcontroller
- the programmable data logger is first connected to a computer (typically a PC or similar). Programming will provide key operational parameters such as the activation and the duration of the data logging process.
- the programmed data logger is then positioned on the shower assembly as described above.
- the programmable data logger incorporates a rumble sensor which is adapted to detect initial signals corresponding to shower actuation. When such initial signals are detected, switching means trigger the operation of the sound sensor.
- the programmable data logger incorporates a tilt switch assembly which is able to detect initial signals corresponding to shower actuation such as vibration, and to trigger the operation of the sound sensor. Such tilt switches are preferred in the context of the present invention in view of their small size, simple construction and low power consumption.
- Data is then acquired from the sound sensor, activated by the initial detection of shower actuation as described above.
- Data is also acquired from the temperature sensor, which is triggered only when a showering event is being logged, as described above.
- the duration of data logging is controllable in response to the signals received from the rumble sensor and the sound sensor respectively.
- the data logger will typically be programmed so that data logging is started in response to the signals received from the rumble sensor and the sound sensor.
- the system of the invention is able to operate in an "active data capture” mode for capturing the activity of interest, but is also able to revert to a "low power mode” at other times. This enables reduced recording of false events, leading to reduced energy consumption, lower power and memory requirements, greater device efficiency and greater ease of data analysis. Temperature data is also used to determine whether a real showering event is being recorded.
- the inventors have found that the data acquired from the system of the invention when used as described above provides a surprisingly reliable means of indicating shower usage, thus avoiding the need for complex or intrusive devices such as water flow meters.
- the data acquired by the system of the invention is analysed by a data analysis device to provide information about shower usage.
- the data acquired by the system of the invention is downloaded to a remote data analysis device such as a computing device (e.g. a PC).
- a remote data analysis device such as a computing device (e.g. a PC).
- the data may be transmitted to the data analysis device by cellular telephony or wireless LAN technology, preferably "Wi-Fi" (wireless fidelity) enabling easy, fast communication via internet.
- Wi-Fi wireless fidelity
- the programmable data logger is most preferably
- the analysis can provide information about various aspects of shower usage, such as the duration of individual showering events, the frequency of individual showering events per day or a combination of the above.
- a particular advantage of the system of the invention is its ability to identify different individual showering events, even when they are closely spaced apart in time, such as successive usages by family members.
- a programmable data logger as described above was firmly coupled by cable tie to the flexible hose of a shower assembly. Four consecutive showering events were conducted.
- the appended Figure 1 illustrates the sound data and the temperature data acquired.
- Example 2
- a programmable data logger as described above was firmly coupled by cable tie to the head of a shower assembly. Four consecutive showering events were conducted.
- the appended Figure 2 illustrates the sound data and the temperature data acquired. The results show that in each case the time, duration and temperature of each individual showering event is successfully recorded and captured by the system of the invention.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Bathtubs, Showers, And Their Attachments (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
BR112014004399A BR112014004399A2 (en) | 2011-08-26 | 2012-08-21 | shower utilization monitoring system and method |
EP12748497.0A EP2747895A1 (en) | 2011-08-26 | 2012-08-21 | Shower usage monitoring |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP11179074.7 | 2011-08-26 | ||
EP11179074 | 2011-08-26 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2013030046A1 true WO2013030046A1 (en) | 2013-03-07 |
Family
ID=46704680
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/EP2012/066269 WO2013030046A1 (en) | 2011-08-26 | 2012-08-21 | Shower usage monitoring |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2747895A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112014004399A2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013030046A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104951292A (en) * | 2014-03-27 | 2015-09-30 | 尹泳祺 | Data processing system and data processing method |
US9429453B1 (en) | 2015-03-24 | 2016-08-30 | Symmons Industries, Inc. | Method and system for managing water usage |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE4234917A1 (en) * | 1992-10-16 | 1994-04-21 | Mikrosystem Gmbh Bereich Senso | Programmable washing shower system for maintaining health safety conditions - has ambient conditions monitored and unit controlled to maintain appropriate temperature and flow conditions |
US20040128034A1 (en) * | 2002-12-11 | 2004-07-01 | Lenker Jay A. | Method and apparatus for water flow sensing and control |
US6839644B1 (en) * | 2002-04-01 | 2005-01-04 | The Texas A&M University System | Plumbing supply monitoring, modeling and sizing system and method |
US20080262755A1 (en) * | 2007-03-30 | 2008-10-23 | Dayton Douglas C | Faucet flow timing system that monitors volume of water usage |
US20090177594A1 (en) * | 2008-01-04 | 2009-07-09 | Williams Jr Edwrad Chuck | Method for rewarding water conservation and generating additional revenue for hotels |
US20110031331A1 (en) * | 2007-10-24 | 2011-02-10 | Michael Klicpera | Apparatus for Displaying, Monitoring and/or Controlling Shower, Bath or Sink Faucet Water Parameters with an Audio or Verbal Annunciations or Control Means |
-
2012
- 2012-08-21 BR BR112014004399A patent/BR112014004399A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2012-08-21 WO PCT/EP2012/066269 patent/WO2013030046A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-08-21 EP EP12748497.0A patent/EP2747895A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE4234917A1 (en) * | 1992-10-16 | 1994-04-21 | Mikrosystem Gmbh Bereich Senso | Programmable washing shower system for maintaining health safety conditions - has ambient conditions monitored and unit controlled to maintain appropriate temperature and flow conditions |
US6839644B1 (en) * | 2002-04-01 | 2005-01-04 | The Texas A&M University System | Plumbing supply monitoring, modeling and sizing system and method |
US20040128034A1 (en) * | 2002-12-11 | 2004-07-01 | Lenker Jay A. | Method and apparatus for water flow sensing and control |
US20080262755A1 (en) * | 2007-03-30 | 2008-10-23 | Dayton Douglas C | Faucet flow timing system that monitors volume of water usage |
US20110031331A1 (en) * | 2007-10-24 | 2011-02-10 | Michael Klicpera | Apparatus for Displaying, Monitoring and/or Controlling Shower, Bath or Sink Faucet Water Parameters with an Audio or Verbal Annunciations or Control Means |
US20090177594A1 (en) * | 2008-01-04 | 2009-07-09 | Williams Jr Edwrad Chuck | Method for rewarding water conservation and generating additional revenue for hotels |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104951292A (en) * | 2014-03-27 | 2015-09-30 | 尹泳祺 | Data processing system and data processing method |
US9429453B1 (en) | 2015-03-24 | 2016-08-30 | Symmons Industries, Inc. | Method and system for managing water usage |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
BR112014004399A2 (en) | 2017-03-28 |
EP2747895A1 (en) | 2014-07-02 |
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