WO2014165067A1

WO2014165067A1 - Apparatus and method for monitoring water usage

Info

Publication number: WO2014165067A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/024287
Authority: WO
Inventors: Craig A. Lewis; Andrew SCHAD; Claude Fabian VALLE IV
Original assignee: Sprav Water Llc
Priority date: 2013-03-13
Filing date: 2014-03-12
Publication date: 2014-10-09

Abstract

An apparatus and method for tracking a cost of a water usage event, in which an energy amount required to heat a water volume used during the water usage event is determined at least partially responsive to at least one of a duration of the water usage event, a temperature of the water volume, and a flow rate of the water volume. An energy cost required to produce the energy amount is calculated at least partially responsive to at least one of the energy amount, a heater type, and a fuel cost rate. The cost of the water usage event is calculated at least partially responsive to at least one of the water volume, a water cost rate, and the energy cost.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MONITORING WATER USAGE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial

No. 61/779,816, filed on March 13, 2013, entitled "WATER COST CALCULATION DEVICE," and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/892,879, filed on October 18, 2013, entitled "WATER CONSERVATION DEVICE," the entirety of both of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for calculating and monitoring water usage and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for monitoring and calculating costs of a water usage event.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Water conservation is a concern that many people prioritize in order to save money, help better the environment, and/or because local laws require certain water use restrictions. Many parts of the world experience seasonal droughts which call for cutbacks on water consumption, and for some regions, water shortages are a daily issue which render water conservation a way of life.

[0004] Unfortunately, water conservation is practiced inconsistently and unevenly.

Water districts and utilities periodically make public service announcements reminding people not to waste water. Some even distribute water conservation kits including shower flow restrictors, new spigot seals, and toilet reservoir displacement packs. However, these measures are often insufficient in raising awareness of water conservation.

[0005] Even in countries with plentiful water supplies, costs can be considerably high for residences with multiple occupants. For example, large families often have many children who each take daily showers and are unaware of how the length of their showers affects the household budget. Further, water is not the only resource being utilized during the operation of a shower. Typically, a heater needs to consume fuel in order to heat the shower water, thereby generating energy costs in addition to the water costs. Thus, the costs of a shower can increase dramatically depending on the size of a household, and can be of a particular concern to large families attempting to manage their expenses. SUMMARY

[0006] In an embodiment of the present invention, a method for tracking a cost of a water usage event is described. The method comprises determining an energy amount required to heat a water volume during the water usage event. The determination occurs at least partially responsive to at least one of a duration of the water usage event, a temperature of the water volume, and a flow rate of the water volume. An energy cost required to produce the energy amount is also calculated. The energy cost calculation occurs at least partially responsive to at least one of the energy amount, a heater type, and a fuel cost rate. Further, a cost of the water usage event is calculated at least partially responsive to at least one of the water volume, a water cost rate, and the energy cost.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, a method for monitoring a cost of a water usage event is described. The method comprises providing operational data including at least one of a duration of the water usage event, a temperature of water supplied to the water usage event, a cold water temperature, a heater type, a fuel cost rate, and a flow rate of the water supplied to the water usage event. Also, the method calculates a water volume at least partially responsive to at least one of the duration of the water usage event and the flow rate of the water supplied to the water usage event. Additionally, an energy amount required to heat the water volume is calculated. Further, the method calculates an energy cost required to supply the energy amount at least partially responsive to at least one of the energy amount, the fuel type, the heater type, and the fuel cost rate. Moreover, the cost of the water usage event is calculated at least partially responsive to at least one of the water volume, the water cost rate, and the energy cost.

[0008] In another embodiment of the present invention, a system for monitoring a cost of a water usage event is described. The system comprises a receiving component for receiving operational data including at least one of a duration of the water usage event, a temperature of the water supplied by the water usage event, a cold water temperature, a heater type, a water cost rate, a fuel cost rate, and a flow rate of the water supplied by the water usage event. Also in the system, is a volume component for calculating a water volume at least partially responsive to at least one of the duration of the water usage event and the flow rate of the water supplied to the water usage event. Additionally, the system has an energy calculation component for calculating an energy amount required to heat a water volume supplied by the water usage event at least partially responsive to at least one of the water volume, the temperature of the water supplied by the water usage event, and the heater type. Further present in the system is an energy cost component for calculating an energy cost at least partially responsive to the energy amount and the fuel cost rate. Moreover, the system comprises a total cost component for calculating the cost of the water usage event at least partially responsive to the energy cost, the water volume, and the water cost rate.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, a water usage monitoring device is described. The device comprises a housing unit including a first housing piece and a second housing piece, wherein the first housing piece and the second housing piece collectively define a protected volume therebetween. The device also comprises a flow state senor, a temperature sensor, and a processor, wherein the processor is in electrical communication with the flow state sensor and the temperature sensor. Additionally, the device has a communication unit in electrical communication with the processor. At least one of the flow state sensor, the communication unit, and the processor is located substantially within the protected volume. Further, the device comprises a power supply, wherein the power supply is in electrical communication with at least one of the flow state sensor, the temperature sensor, the processor, and the communication unit. Moreover, the device has an indication unit in electrical communication with the processor and power supply.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0012] Fig. 3 is a flow chart of a method for using the embodiment of Fig. 1.

[0013] Fig. 4 is a system for using the embodiment of Fig. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Various aspects are now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects. It may be evident, however, that the various aspects may be practiced without specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing these aspects.

[0015] As used in this application, the terms "component," "system," and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, including hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a server and the server can be a component. One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers.

[0016] Various aspects will be presented in terms of systems that may include a number of components, modules, and the like. It is to be understood and appreciated that the various systems may include additional components, modules, etc. and/or may not include all the components, modules, etc. discussed in connection with the Figures. A combination of these approaches may also be used. The various aspects disclosed herein can be performed on electrical devices including devices that utilize touch screen display technologies and/or mouse-and-keyboard type interfaces. Examples of such electronic devices include computers (desktop and mobile), smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other electronic devices, both wired and wireless.

[0017] "Processor," as used herein includes, but is not limited to, one or more of virtually any number of processor systems or stand-alone processors, such as

microprocessors, microcontrollers, central processing units (CPUs), distributed processors, paired processors, and digital signal processors (DSPs), in any combination. The processor may be associated with various other circuits that support operation of the processor, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), clocks, decoders, memory controllers, interrupt controllers, etc. These support circuits may be internal or external to the processor or its associated electronic packaging. The support circuits are in operative communication with the processor. The support circuits are not necessarily shown separately from the processor in the Figures.

[0018] "Cost," as used herein includes, but is not limited to, an expenditure of money, time, labor, or the like to acquire, produce, accomplish, or maintain something. For example, a cost can be the monetary value exchanged in acquiring a resource.

[0019] The description herein is applicable to any fluid which can be supplied via a conduit, has no fixed shape, and yields to external pressure. For example, the fluid may be, but is not limited to, a fluid having the chemical composition H₂0. This H₂0 fluid will be called "water" and, for clarity, will be presumed to be the working fluid in this description. However, the present invention may be used in conjunction with any fluid and for any monitoring and/or calculating purpose. For example, the present invention could be used to monitor (e.g., meter) and/or calculate cost for any suitable fluid flow/usage event in manufacturing, food/beverage, consumer products, or any other desired use environment.

[0020] The present invention relates to monitoring water usage and costs associated with a water usage event. A water usage event can include any event in which water is supplied to a user via a fluid conduit. For illustrative purposes, the present invention will be described with reference to a "shower" as being the water usage event. The term "shower" here references a single encounter of a person with a water-supply device (e.g., a shower enclosure and related fluid handling structures) wherein that person bathes within a relatively short period of time, regardless of whether water is supplied in a continuous or interrupted manner. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the various aspects described herein are applicable to other water usage events (e.g., uses of water or other fluids) in addition to a shower.

[0021] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a base device 100 and a user interface device 102. Collectively, the base device 100 and the user interface device 102 provide operational data of a shower including: a duration of the shower, a temperature of the water supplied to the shower via a fluid conduit, a flow rate of the water supplied to the shower, a cold water temperature, a heater type, a fuel cost rate, a water cost rate, a combination thereof, and the like. The base device 100 mounts to a fluid conduit located in the shower and comprises: a housing unit 104, an indication unit 106, and a mounting unit 108. The user interface device 102 is an electronic device capable of wireless communication with the base device 100. The base device 100 and user interface device 102 collectively form an apparatus according to the present invention, and therefore structures and functions shown and described herein with respect to one of the base device and user interface device could be at least partially associated instead with the other of the base device and user interface device, as desired, without harm to the present invention.

[0022] Together, the base unit 100 and the user interface device 102 are capable of serving a single or multiple users. For example, a user of the shower will consequently also be a user of the base device 100, and may or may not also be a user of the user interface device 102. In other words, since the present invention comprises multiple devices, it can be utilized by a single person or by multiple people simultaneously. Thus, a "user," as described herein, is an individual experiencing and/or controlling the shower or other water usage event, and a "user interface operator," as described herein, is an individual viewing, manipulating, and/or controlling operation of the user interface device 102. Whether or not the user and user interface operator are different people or are the same person fulfilling different roles in interacting with the present invention, it is contemplated that the user interface operator is a person having a primary interest in cost and other data related to the shower being taken, and the user is a person having a primary interest in receiving and/or directing water via the shower or other water supply device.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the base device 100. The housing unit 104 comprises a first housing piece 210 and a second housing piece 212. The first housing piece 210 and second housing piece 212 collectively define a protected volume 213 which contains at least one of a circuit board 214, a processor 216, a flow state sensor 218, a temperature sensor 220, a communication unit 222, and a power supply 224. For most use environments of the present invention, the housing unit 104 will be waterproof, or at least water resistant, thereby substantially protecting the elements located within the protected volume from ambient moisture. The power supply can be a replaceable battery, a rechargeable battery, solar panels, a piezoelectric material, a thermoelectric material, a combination thereof, or any other desired power source. The processor 216 is in electrical communication with the flow state sensor 218, the temperature sensor 220, the

communication unit 222, and the power supply 224. The power supply 224 provides power, via electrical communication, to at least one of the processor 216, the flow state sensor 218, the temperature sensor 220, and the communication unit 222.

[0024] The indication unit 106 is carried by the housing unit 104 and is in electrical communication with the processor 216 and the power supply 224. The indication unit 106 can include an LED, a plurality of LEDs, an LED segmented display, an OLED display, an audible chirper, a speaker, an LCD display, a combination thereof, or any other element for providing a user-perceptible indication as described herein. The indication unit 106 may be adjacent or connected to the housing unit 104, and/or may serve as a structural portion of the housing unit 104.

[0025] The mounting unit 108 is attached to a housing unit side 226 of the second housing piece 212, opposite from the protected volume 213 and is configured to assist with fixedly attach the housing unit 104 to a fluid conduit which supplies water to the shower. The mounting unit 108 is illustrated as a snap-in clamp; however, the mounting unit 108 can also be an adjustable strap, a clip, an adhesive, a magnetic clasp, a combination thereof, or any other structure configured to assist with creating the attachments shown and/or described herein.

[0026] In an example illustration, the mounting unit 108 is a snap-in clamp which is depicted in Fig. 2 in its closed position. The snap-in clamp is attached to the housing unit 104 via a hinge located on the housing unit side 226. When opening the snap-in clamp, the mounting unit 108 moves away from the housing unit 104, exposing the housing unit side 226 and permitting the housing unit side to be placed into a predetermined relationship with the fluid conduit. Once the housing unit 104 is placed at the desired location, the snap- in clamp is moved back toward a closed position engaging the housing unit 104, thereby collectively cross-sectionally surrounding the fluid conduit in cooperation with the housing unit 104. Upon reaching its closed position, the snap-in clamp snaps shut (permanently or reversibly), such as via the depicted barb-and-flat, interference fit latch. Thus, the mounting unit 108 attaches the housing unit 104 to the fluid conduit without necessitating at least partial disassembly of the shower and related fluid piping.

[0027] Most fluid conduits which supply water to a shower comprise a cylindrical pipe, and the mounting unit 108 has an arched structure to parallel the curvature of such a pipe. Also, the housing unit side 226 is shown in the Figures as having an arched shape such that when the snap-in clamp is in a closed position, the arch of the housing unit side 226 and the arch of the snap-in clamp form a circular structure configured for use with a cylindrical pipe. Thus, the arched structures enable the mounting unit 108 to secure a tight fit between the fluid conduit and the housing unit 104 such that when locked, the circular structure created by the housing unit side 226 and the snap-in clamp, circumscribes the fluid conduit, substantially surrounding a circumference or outer perimeter thereof. The snap-in clamp utilizes frictional forces (e.g., interference fit) to keep the housing unit 104 in place, and prevent sliding of the housing unit along the fluid conduit. The snap-in clamp also allows for easy installation of the base unit 100 without the need for dismantling any structure(s) of the shower. Additionally, the tight fit between the housing unit 104 and the fluid conduit may assist with increasing accuracy of measurements from the flow state sensor 218 and the temperature sensor 220. One of ordinary skill in the art could provide a housing unit 104 configured to form any desired type and magnitude of mounting/installation relationship with any shape of fluid conduit, however, whether or not the housing unit surrounds all or part of the fluid conduit. [0028] The flow state sensor 218 can determine binary and metric data regarding operation of the shower. In particular, the flow state sensor 218 can determine when the shower is on or off, as well as, in some embodiments of the invention, the flow rate of water supplied by the shower. The processor 216 samples the flow state sensor 218 periodically to capture sensory data regarding the fluid conduit or shower environment. In an example illustration, the flow state sensor 218 functions as an acoustic sensor to capture a waveform of sound in the shower environment. The magnitude of the waveform is then analyzed to determine whether or not the shower is on and the flow rate of the water. The acoustic sensor can be a microphone, an ultrasonic device, a combination thereof, or any other desired acoustic sensor. In another example, the flow state sensor 218 captures a waveform of vibrations in the fluid conduit which supplies water to the shower. The waveform of vibrations can be analyzed to determine whether or not the shower is on and the flow rate of the water within the fluid conduit. To measure vibrations, the flow state sensor 218 can comprise an accelerometer and or any other vibration sensor.

[0029] The temperature sensor 220 determines the temperature of the water supplied to the shower by the fluid conduit. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the temperature sensor 220 is wholly located in the housing unit 104 and measures thermal properties of the water via thermal conduction through both the fluid conduit and the housing unit 104. The temperature sensor 220 measures changes in the surface temperature of the fluid conduit, which correspond to changes in the temperature of the water supplied by the shower. In another example, the temperature sensor 220 may comprise a temperature probe which at least partially extends from the housing unit 104 and measures the surface temperature of the fluid conduit directly, without relying on thermal conduction through the housing unit 104. Suitable temperature probes can include sensors having electrical outputs such as

thermocouples, thermistors, or any other temperature-sensing (direct and/or indirect) device.

[0030] The processor 216 coordinates the functions of the flow state sensor 218, the temperature sensor 220, and the communication unit 222. The processor 216 uses the binary data measured by the flow state sensor 218 to calculate a duration of the shower. The processor 216 uses the measurements of the temperature sensor 220 to estimate changes in the temperature of the water supplied by the shower. The duration of the shower, the flow rate of the water supplied by the shower, and the change in temperature of the water supplied by the shower are temporarily stored in a memory on the processor 216 until the data is wirelessly transmitted to the user interface device 102 by the communication unit 222. Suitable communication units 222 generally operate in the radio frequency spectrum and may be mono or polychromatic, and can comprise predetermined bands of frequencies.

Transmission can occur real-time or delayed, and can occur on any combination of push, pull, and/or scheduled transmission scheduling. Any variety of known data transmission protocols can be appropriate, such as, WiFi, Bluetooth, WirelessHD, WiGig, Z-Wave, Zigbee, a combination thereof, or any other data transmission scheme.

[0031] The user interface device 102 receives the transmission from the base unit 100 along with other operational data supplied by a user interface operator. Data supplied by the user interface operator can include, but is not limited to: the cold water temperature, the heater type, the water cost rate, the fuel cost rate, the flow rate of the water supplied by the shower, or any combination thereof. The user interface device 102 uses at least a portion of the operational data to calculate costs associated with operating the shower. The user interface device 102 may store the operational data and the calculated costs as historical data in a memory.

[0032] Additionally, at least one of the operational data and the calculated costs may be displayed by the user interface device 102. The display can present the operational data and calculated costs for a particular shower session, the historical data regarding a plurality of shower sessions, and/or any combination thereof. For example, at least one of the operational data and calculated costs can be displayed in a by-shower or a by-time-period manner, such that the user interface operator can view displays of daily, weekly, monthly, and annual periods. Further, the display can be by means of graphs, diagrams, charts, numbers, and/or any user-perceptible display scheme, thereby allowing the user interface operator to review data as desired, for example, to identify patterns which may exist regarding the shower usage.

[0033] The user interface device 102 can also receive a minimum in-between shower time from the user interface operator and/or be programmed to include such a factor without input from the user interface operator. The minimum in-between shower time is a

predetermined length of time that must exist between measured durations of a shower in order for the durations to be recognized as multiple shower sessions. For example, if the user interface operator inputs a 5 minute minimum in-between shower time, then at least 5 minutes must lapse from the end of one shower to the start of another in order for separate shower sessions to be recognized. If less than 5 minutes lapses between the end of one shower and the start of another, then the operational data and calculated costs for those two "showers" will be aggregated and be considered as relating to a single shower session. The minimum in-between shower time serves to prevent deception (e.g., by a user turning off the shower to reset the base device 100 and thereby obtain additional shower time), and can be any length of time chosen by the user interface operator or otherwise supplied to the user interface device 102.

[0034] Moreover, the user interface device 102 can receive, from the user interface operator or any other source, at least one predetermined target chosen responsive to at least one of the operational data and the calculated costs. When the predetermined target has been reached, the user interface device 102 transmits a wireless signal to the communications unit 222. The processor 216 analyzes the signal and controls the indication unit 106 in response. Alternatively, the user interface device 102 can transmit the predetermined target to the communication unit 222, and the processor 216 can determine whether the

predetermined target has been reached; thereby controlling the indication unit 106 in response. The indication unit 106 notifies the user that the predetermined target has been reached. The notification is accomplished by any suitable means perceptible to the user, including: a visual notification, an audible notification, a physical notification, and/or any other desired user-perceptible notification element.

[0035] For example, the user interface operator can choose the predetermined target to be a particular length of time for the duration of the shower. Further, the indication unit 106 can comprise green, yellow, and red LEDs. While the duration of the shower is less than, for example, 60% of the particular length of time, the indication unit 106 displays the green LED. If the duration of the shower extends to 60% or more of the particular length of time, the indication unit 106 switches the displayed LED from green to yellow. If the duration of the shower extends to 90% or more of the particular length of time, the indication unit 106 switches the displayed LED from yellow to red. Thus, as the shower progresses, the user may be made visually aware of the duration of the shower respective to the particular length of time chosen as the predetermined target. Optionally, the base device 100 or another component of the present invention could be operatively connected with the shower apparatus such that duration of the shower of, for example, more than 105% of the predetermined target could result in a physical change (e.g., flow rate, temperature, or any other physical property) to the water being supplied to the user.

[0036] In another illustrative example, the user is notified via an LCD display which can display the relationship between operation of the shower and the predetermined target in a numerical form, such as via a countdown ticker. Another example includes a plurality of substantially homogenous (e.g., same-color) LEDs which light up or shut down sequentially as the predetermined target(s) are met. A numerical display or homogenous multi-LED display may be helpful, for example, for users who are color-blind. Alternatively or additionally to the aforementioned predetermined target example, the predetermined target can be based at least partially on any other one of the operational data or calculated costs; the user can be notified at any percent of the predetermined target; and the user can be notified through other visual, audible, or physical means. One of ordinary skill in the art could provide any of a plethora of notification means to notify the user of at least one

predetermined target in a desired manner.

[0037] Referring to Fig. 3, illustrated is an example flow chart which can be utilized with the base device 100 and the user interface device 102 of Fig. 1. In the first block 328, a water volume used by the shower is determined by multiplying the duration of the shower by the flow rate of the water supplied to the shower by the fluid conduit. The flow rate can be measured by the base device 100, or input by the user interface operator into the user interface device 102. In the second block 330, an energy amount utilized during the shower is determined, for example, by multiplying the water volume, the specific heat of water, and the change in temperature of the water volume. The change in temperature can be estimated based on the change in surface temperature of the fluid conduit, as measured by the temperature sensor 220. Alternatively, the change in water temperature can be determined based on a cold water temperature, supplied by the user interface operator, and the surface temperature of the fluid conduit, as measured by the temperature sensor 220.

[0038] The calculated energy amount is then utilized in the third block 332 to determine a fuel amount required to produce the energy amount. The user interface operator supplies the user interface device 102 with the heater type utilized to heat the water volume. The user interface device 102 matches the heater type to a known nominal efficiency and a fuel type via a database of heaters. The fuel type is then matched to a known specific energy via a database of fuels. The database of heaters and the database of fuels can be stored on the user interface device 102, a terminal server, a hard drive, a combination thereof, and/or can be provided in any matter, from any source. The calculated energy amount is divided by the specific energy of the fuel type, and the quotient is then divided by the nominal efficiency of the heater type to determine the fuel amount.

[0039] In the fourth block 334, an energy cost is then calculated by multiplying the fuel amount by the fuel cost rate. The fuel cost rate is supplied to the user interface device 102 by the user interface operator and/or may be obtained from any other source (e.g., an Internet fuel price resource) by the user interface device 102. In the fifth block 336, a cost of the shower is calculated by multiplying the water volume by the water cost rate and then adding the calculated energy cost. The water cost rate may also be supplied to the user interface device 102 by the user interface operator and/or may be obtained from any other source (e.g., an Internet utility price resource) by the user interface device 102. In the sixth block 338, the operational data and/or calculated costs for the shower are stored as historical data. The historical data can be stored on the user interface device 102, a terminal server, a hard drive, a combination thereof, and/or any desired storage space.

[0040] In the seventh block 340, at least one of the operational data and the calculated costs is displayed, wherein the calculated costs include the water volume, energy amount, energy cost, and cost of the shower. For example, the user interface device 102 can display at least one of the duration of the shower, temperature of the water supplied to the shower via a fluid conduit, flow rate of the water supplied to the shower, cold water temperature, heater type, fuel cost rate, water cost rate, water volume, energy amount, energy cost, cost of the shower, and combination thereof. The operational data and calculated costs can be displayed for a particular shower session and/or for a plurality of past shower sessions, selected in any desired manner. The displays can be illustrated in the form of graphs, diagrams, charts, a combination thereof, and/or any other user-perceptible manner. By displaying the

operational data and calculated costs of past shower sessions, the user interface operator may identify trends in shower usage.

[0041] Additionally, in the eighth block 342, the user is notified whether a

predetermined target has been reached. The predetermined target may be defined by the user interface operator and/or provided by the user interface device 102 responsive to a selected one of the energy amount, duration of the shower, water volume, temperature of the water volume, energy cost, and cost of the shower. The user can be notified by a visual means, an audible means, a physical means, or any combination thereof. The visual notification can include, but is not limited to an LED, a plurality of LEDs, an LED segmented display, an OLED display, a LCD display, a combination thereof, and/or any other visually user- perceptible notification device. The audible notification can include, but is not limited to: an audible chirper, a speaker, a combination thereof, and/or any other audibly user-perceptible notification device. The physical of notification can include, but is not limited to: altering (including stopping) the flow rate of the water volume, changing the temperature of the water volume, a combination thereof, and/or any other physically user-perceptible notification device.

[0042] A system for implementing the flow chart of Fig. 3 with the devices of Fig. 1 is shown in Fig. 4. The user interface device 102 is an electronic device comprising a processor that executes or facilitates execution of computer executable components stored in a memory. A receiving component 444 receives the operational data of the shower session. A volume component 446 calculates the water volume based on at least one of the duration of the shower and the flow rate of the water volume. An energy calculation component 448 calculates the energy amount required to operate the shower at the measured temperature based on at least one of the water volume, the specific heat of water, the temperature of the water volume, and the heater type. An energy cost component 450 calculates the cost of generating the required energy based on at least one of the energy amount, and the fuel cost rate. A total cost component 452 calculates the cost of the shower based on at least one of the energy cost, the water volume, and the water cost rate. A storage component 454 stores the operational data and/or the calculated costs for each shower session as historical data.

[0043] The display controller 456 coordinates a display of at least one of the operational data and the calculated costs individually or in relation to each other. Further, the display controller 456 can coordinate the display of historical data to enable the user interface operator to identify trends that may exist regarding the shower usage. The displays can include, but are not limited to graphs, diagrams, charts, numbers, text, combinations thereof, and/or any other method of display as desired.

[0044] The system also comprises a target component 458 which receives, optionally from the user interface operator and/or from any other source (including being programmed by a manufacturer), at least one predetermined target chosen responsive to a selected one of the duration of the shower, temperature of the water supplied to the shower, flow rate of the water, energy amount, energy cost, cost of the shower, and combination thereof. A notification controller coordinates notifying the user whether a predetermined target has been reached. The notification controller transmits a wireless signal to the indication unit 106 which directs how and when to notify the user. The notification can be by a visual means, an audible means, and/or a physical means, as elaborated above.

[0045] In particular and in regard to the various functions performed by the above described components, devices, methods, systems and the like, the terms (including a reference to a "means") used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g. a functional equivalent), even if not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure, which performs the function in the herein illustrated example aspects. In this regard, it will also be recognized that the various aspects include a system as well as a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing the acts and/or events of the various methods.

[0046] In addition, while a particular feature may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. To the extent that the terms "includes," and "including" and variants thereof are used in either the detailed description, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising."

[0047] The term "or" as used in either the detailed description or the clams is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrase "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, the phrase "X employs A or B" is satisfied by any of the following instances: X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form.

[0048] What has been described above includes examples of the various aspects. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the various aspects, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations are possible.

Accordingly, the subject specification is intended to embrace all such alterations,

modifications, and variations.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A method for tracking a cost of a water usage event, the method comprising: determining an energy amount required to heat a water volume used during the water usage event, the determination occurring at least partially responsive to at least one of a duration of the water usage event, a temperature of the water volume, and a flow rate of the water volume;

calculating an energy cost required to produce the energy amount, the calculation occurring at least partially responsive to at least one of the energy amount, a heater type, and a fuel cost rate; and

calculating the cost of the water usage event, the calculation occurring at least partially responsive to at least one of the water volume, a water cost rate, and the energy cost.

2. The method of claim 1, including notifying a user whether a predetermined targets has been reached, wherein the predetermined target is defined by a user interface operator responsive to a selected one of: the energy amount, the duration of the water usage event, the water volume, the temperature of the water volume, the energy cost, and the cost of the water usage event.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein notifying the user visually whether the chosen one of the predetermined targets has been reached.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein notifying the user visually whether the chosen one of the predetermined targets has been reached via at least one of: at least one LED, an LED segmented display, an OLED display, and a LCD display

5. The method of claim 1, including communicating wirelessly to a user interface device at least one of: the duration of the water usage event, the temperature of the water volume, and the flow rate of the water volume.

6. The method of claim 5, including displaying, with the user interface device, at least one of: the duration of the water usage event, the temperature of the water volume, the flow rate of the water volume, the energy amount, the water volume, the energy cost, and the cost of the water usage event.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the user interface device stores historical data regarding at least one of: the duration of the water usage event, the temperature of the water volume, the flow rate of the water volume, the energy amount, the water volume, the energy cost, and the cost of the water usage event.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the user interface device communicates the historical data to a user interface operator.

9. A method for monitoring a cost of a water usage event, the method comprising:

providing operational data including at least one of a duration of the water usage event, a temperature of water supplied to the water usage event, a cold water temperature, a heater type, a water cost rate, a fuel type, a fuel cost rate, and a flow rate of the water supplied to the water usage event;

calculating a water volume at least partially responsive to at least one of the duration of the water usage event and the flow rate of the water supplied to the water usage event; calculating an energy amount required to heat the water volume;

calculating an energy cost required to supply the energy amount at least partially responsive to at least one of the energy amount, the fuel type, the heater type, and the fuel cost rate; and

calculating the cost of the water usage event, the calculation at least partially responsive to at least one of the water volume, the water cost rate, and the energy cost.

10. The method of claim 9, including receiving at least one predetermined target chosen responsive to at least a selected one of: the duration of the water usage event, the temperature of the water supplied to the water usage event, the flow rate of the water supplied to the usage event, the energy amount, and the total cost.

11. The method of claim 10, including notifying a user whether at least one

predetermined target has been reached.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein notifying the user at least one of visually and audibly whether at least one predetermined target has been reached.

13. The method of claim 9, including displaying historical data at least partially responsive to at least one of: the duration of the water usage event, the temperature of the water supplied to the water usage event, the flow rate of the water supplied to the water usage event, the water volume, the energy amount, and the total cost.

14. A system for monitoring a cost of a water usage event, the system comprising:

a processor that executes or facilitates execution of computer executable components stored in a memory, the computer executable components comprising:

a receiving component for receiving operational data including at least one of a duration of the water usage event, a temperature of water supplied by the water usage event, a cold water temperature, a heater type, a water cost rate, a fuel cost rate, and a flow rate of the water supplied by the water usage event;

a volume component for calculating a water volume at least partially responsive to at least one of the duration of the water usage event and the flow rate of the water supplied to the water usage event;

an energy calculation component for calculating an energy amount required to heat a water volume supplied by the water usage event at least partially responsive to at least one of the water volume, the temperature of the water supplied by the water usage event, and the heater type;

an energy cost component for calculating an energy cost at least partially responsive to the energy amount and the fuel cost rate; and

a total cost component for calculating the cost of the water usage event at least partially responsive to the energy cost, the water volume, and the water cost rate.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the computer executable components include a display controller for controlling a display of at least one of: the duration of the water usage event, the temperature of the water supplied by the water usage event, the flow rate of the water supplied by the water usage event, the energy amount, and the cost of the water usage event.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the computer executable components include a storage component for storing historical data regarding at least one of: the duration of the water usage event, the temperature of the water supplied by the water usage event, the flow rate of the water supplied by the water usage event, the energy amount, and the cost of the water usage event.

17. The system of clam 16, wherein the computer executable component includes a display controller for controlling a display of the historical data stored in the storage component.

18. The system of claim 14, wherein the computer executable components include a target component configured to receive, from a user interface operator, at least one predetermined target chosen responsive to a selected one of: the duration of the water usage event, the temperature of the water supplied by the water usage event, the flow rate of the water supplied by the water usage event, the energy amount, energy cost, and the cost of the water usage event.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the computer executable component includes a notification controller for controlling a notification to the user whether the at least one predetermined target has been reached.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the notification controller controls a visual notification to the user whether the at least one predetermined target has been reached.

21. A water usage monitoring device, comprising:

a housing unit including a first housing piece and a second housing piece, wherein the first housing piece and the second housing piece collectively define a protected volume therebetween;

a flow state sensor;

a temperature sensor;

a processor, wherein the processor is in electrical communication with the flow state sensor and the temperature sensor; a communication unit, wherein the communication unit is in electrical communication with the processor;

wherein at least one of the flow state sensor, the communication unit, and the processor is located substantially within the protected volume;

a power supply, wherein the power supply is in electrical communication with at least one of the flow state sensor, the temperature sensor, the processor, and the communication unit; and

an indication unit in electrical communication with the processor and the power supply.

22. The device of claim 21, including a mounting unit attached to the housing unit.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein the mounting unit is fixedly attached to a fluid conduit.

24. The device of claim 23, wherein the mounting unit is at least one of a snap-in clamp, an adjustable strap, a clip, a clasp, an adhesive, and a magnetic clasp.

25. The device of claim 21, wherein the temperature sensor is located substantially within the protected volume.

26. The device of claim 21, wherein the indication unit is carried by the housing unit.

27. The device of claim 26, wherein the indication unit is at least one of: at least one LED, an OLED display, an audible chirper, a speaker, and an LCD display.

28. The device of claim 21, wherein the communication unit is in wireless

communication with a user interface device.