Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a water purification system and particularly to a water purifier with blockchain-based water credit system.
Description of Related Art
[002] Water scarcity is an escalating global issue, exacerbated by inefficient water consumption practices. Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purification systems, widely used in households and industries, play a crucial role in providing clean drinking water. However, these systems generate significant water wastage, often rejecting up to 70-75% of the input water. While some users manually repurpose rejected water for secondary applications such as cleaning or gardening, there is no standardized or automated method to optimize its reuse. Additionally, the absence of real-time monitoring mechanisms prevent consumers from effectively tracking their water consumption and minimizing waste.
[003] Various technological advancements have been introduced to address these inefficiencies, including zero-water-wastage RO systems, Internet of Things (IoT) enabled smart water purifiers, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven water monitoring tools. Zero-waste RO systems attempt to recycle rejected water into overhead tanks, but they do not dynamically optimize filtration processes. IoT-based purifiers can monitor Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels and filter life but lack an integrated framework to assess and regulate water wastage in real time. AI-powered water monitoring solutions analyze consumption patterns but are not tailored to RO purification systems, leaving a gap in intelligent, adaptive water conservation strategies.
[004] Furthermore, current commercial solutions do not incentivize consumers to adopt sustainable water usage practices. While some global initiatives promote water conservation through government incentives, these efforts are not personalized or systematically tracked at the individual household level. The lack of a decentralized and transparent accountability system prevents widespread adoption of efficient water management solutions. There remains a critical need for an integrated framework that combines real-time monitoring, intelligent optimization, and structured incentives to encourage sustainable water consumption.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced water purifier with blockchain-based water credit system that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a water purifier with blockchain-based water credit system. The system comprising a water monitoring unit, installed at an inlet port of a water purifier, adapted to monitor factors relating to a quality of water. The system further comprising an electronic valve, installed with the water monitoring unit, adapted to route the water monitored by the water monitoring unit in a first container or a second container. The system further comprising a filtration unit, installed in the first container, adapted to filter the water contained in the first container. The filtered water is utilized for activities selected from, cooking, drinking, or a combination thereof. The system further comprising a blockchain engine adapted to maintain a blockchain-based water credit ledger that utilizes a decentralized smart contract to issue water credits to a user based on verified water savings. The system further comprising a microcontroller communicatively connected to the water monitoring unit, the electronic valve, and to the filtration unit.
[007] The microcontroller is configured to receive the factors monitored by the water monitoring unit; compare the monitored factors with a drinkable parameter; actuate the electronic valve to route the water in the first container, when the monitored factors lie within the drinkable parameter; and command a machine learning model to moderate the filtration unit for filtering the water in the first container.
[008] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for smart reverse osmosis (RO) water purification. The method comprising steps of receiving factors monitored by a water monitoring unit; comparing the monitored factors with a drinkable parameter; actuating an electronic valve to route the water in a first container, when the monitored factors lie within the drinkable parameter; and commanding a machine learning model to moderate a filtration unit for filtering the water in the first container.
[009] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a water purifier with blockchain-based water credit system.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a water purification system that dynamically adjusts the RO pressure based on real-time water quality parameters, reducing wastewater generation by up to 50% compared to conventional RO systems.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a water purification system that continuously tracks water input, purified output, and rejected water, allowing users to monitor and optimize their water usage through a cloud-connected dashboard or mobile app.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a water purification system that incentivizes sustainable water consumption by issuing blockchain-backed water credits, which can be redeemed for discounts on utility bills or other benefits, encouraging behavioral change at an individual level.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a water purification system that intelligently repurposes rejected water for applications such as flushing, cleaning, and irrigation, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a water purification system that provides a secure and tamper-proof record of individual water savings, enabling users, municipalities, and organizations to track conservation efforts and implement data-driven water management policies.
[0015] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0016] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a water purifier with blockchain-based water credit system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for smart reverse osmosis (RO) water purification, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0022] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0023] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a water purifier with blockchain-based water credit system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the system 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 may be adapted to segregate drinkable water and non-drinkable water. The system 100 may be adapted to filter the drinkable water. Further, the system 100 may be adapted to keep a track record of water consumption. The system 100 may be adapted to reward water credits to users carrying out water consumption efforts. The system 100 may be installed at locations such as, but not limited to, a home, an office, a café, a hostel, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any location, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies, for installation of the system 100.
[0025] The system 100 may comprise a water purifier 102, a microcontroller 118, a machine learning model 120, a blockchain engine 122, a communication unit 124, a database 126, and a computing unit 128.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the water purifier 102 may be adapted to purify water. The extent of purification carried out by the water purifier 102 may convert water into the drinkable water. The water purifier 102 may comprise an inlet port 104, a water monitoring unit 106, an electronic valve 108, a first container 110, a second container 112, a filtration unit 114, and a discard valve 116.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the inlet port 104 may enable a receipt of the water from a predefined source to the water purifier 102. The predefined source may be, but not limited to, a tank, a reservoir, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the predefined source, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the water monitoring unit 106 may be installed at the inlet port 104 of the water purifier 102. The water monitoring unit 106 may be adapted to monitor factors relating to a quality of the water. The factors relating to the quality of the water may be, but not limited to, a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the water, a hardness of the water, a calcium concentrate in the water, a percentage of microplastics in the water, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any factors relating to the quality of the water, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic valve 108 may be installed with the water monitoring unit 106. The electronic valve 108 may be adapted to route the water monitored by the water monitoring unit 106 into the first container 110 or the second container 112. The electronic valve 108 may further be adapted to block a flow of the water upon filling of the first container 110 or the second container 112 to prevent overflow of the water. The electronic valve 108 may be, but not limited to, a check valve, a pressure valve, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the electronic valve 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the filtration unit 114 may be installed in the first container 110. The filtration unit 114 may be adapted to filter the water contained in the first container 110. The filtered water may be utilized for activities such as, but not limited to, cooking, drinking, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any activities that may be carried out using the filtered water, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the filtration unit 114 may comprise of filters such as, but not limited to, a sediment filter, an activated carbon filter, a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane, an ultraviolet (UV) filter, an ultrafiltration (UF) membrane, an alkaline filter, a mineralizer, an activated carbon post-filter, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the filters in the filtration unit 114, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the discard valve 116 may be installed in the second container 112. The discard valve 116 may be actuated for drainage of the water contained in the second container 112. The drained water may be utilized for activities such as, but not limited to, cleaning, bathing, washing, gardening, flushing, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any activities that may be carried out using the drained water, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the microcontroller 118 may be connected to the water monitoring unit 106, the electronic valve 108, and the filtration unit 114. The microcontroller 118 may be configured to receive the factors monitored by the water monitoring unit 106, such as pH level, turbidity, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), temperature, and the presence of contaminants. The microcontroller 118 may be further configured to analyze the received factors and compare them with predefined drinkable parameters stored in its memory. These parameters may be based on regulatory standards such as those set by the World Health Organization (WHO) or local water quality guidelines. The microcontroller 118 may also log and store the monitored data for further analysis and reporting.
[0033] Upon comparison, if the monitored factors lie within the drinkable parameter range, the microcontroller 118 may be configured to actuate the electronic valve 108 to route the water into the first container 110, indicating that the water meets drinkability standards.
[0034] Further, the microcontroller 118 may command the machine learning model 120 to assess the filtration requirements and moderate the filtration unit 114 accordingly for optimizing filtration efficiency while conserving energy. The machine learning model 120 may use historical data and real-time sensor inputs to determine the optimal filtration level required, preventing unnecessary filtration of already purified water. If the monitored factors fall outside the acceptable range, indicating contamination or impurity beyond permissible limits, the microcontroller 118 may be configured to actuate the electronic valve 108 to route the water into the second container 112 for further treatment or disposal. Additionally, the microcontroller 118 may trigger an alert system, such as an LED indicator, a buzzer, or a wireless notification to a user interface, informing the user about the water quality status and necessary corrective actions.
[0035] If the volume of drinking water collected in the first container 110 does not reach a specified threshold level within a predetermined time period, the microcontroller 118 may initiate corrective actions to ensure uninterrupted access to clean water. The microcontroller 118 may first analyze potential causes, such as insufficient water inflow, degraded filter efficiency, or prolonged contamination in the water source, by utilizing data from the water monitoring unit 106 and the filtration unit 114. The microcontroller 118 may automatically initiate a request to purchase and refill drinking water from a verified supplier. This may involve sending an API request to a water delivery service or notifying the user through a connected application, ensuring a seamless water supply without manual intervention. In cases where water levels remain critically low despite adjustments of the system 100, the microcontroller 118 may generate a water scarcity alert. This alert may be communicated through visual indicators such as LED lights, an audible buzzer, or push notifications sent to a mobile or web-based user interface. By providing real-time alerts, the system 100 may enable users to take prompt actions, such as reducing consumption or sourcing water from alternative supplies. To further optimize water utilization, the microcontroller 118 may adjust the operation of the filtration unit 114. The microcontroller 118 may modify flow rates, initiate backwashing cycles, or enhance filtration efficiency to maximize purification and extend the usability of available water. Additionally, the system 100 may log historical water usage trends and performance data for predictive analytics, allowing for better water demand management. If connected to a cloud-based platform, users can remotely monitor water availability and receive proactive alerts regarding potential shortages.
[0036] The microcontroller 118 may be, but is not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) unit, a microprocessor, a development board, a system-on-chip (SoC), or any other embedded system capable of processing sensor data and executing control commands. In some embodiments, the microcontroller 118 may be integrated with wireless communication modules such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or LoRa, enabling remote monitoring and control via a cloud-based interface or a mobile application. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of microcontroller 118, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that support real-time data acquisition, processing, and automation functionalities.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the blockchain engine 122 may be adapted to maintain a blockchain-based water credit ledger. The blockchain-based water credit ledger may utilize a decentralized smart contract to issue water credits to a user based on verified water savings. The blockchain engine 122 may be resistant to tampering. The blockchain engine 122 may further configured to maintain immutable records of the verified water savings, water-related transactions, or a combination thereof.. The blockchain-based water credit ledger may utilize a decentralized smart contract to issue water credits to a user based on verified water savings.
[0038] The microcontroller 118 may integrate with the blockchain engine 122 to facilitate automated blockchain transactions based on real-time water monitoring data. For instance, when the microcontroller 118 detects that the user has efficiently utilized water such as reducing consumption, optimizing filtration settings, or preventing wastage, the microcontroller 118 may trigger a smart contract execution within the blockchain engine 122. The smart contract may then issue water credits to the user's account, which can be redeemed for rewards, discounts on future water purchases, or exchanged within a sustainability-focused rewards ecosystem.
[0039] Additionally, the microcontroller 118 may log key events, such as water quality status, filtration efficiency, and threshold-based actions, onto the blockchain. By recording these parameters in a decentralized ledger, the system 100 may ensure secure, auditable, and tamper-proof tracking of water usage and conservation efforts. In cases where the microcontroller 118 detects critical water shortages or an emergency purchase of drinking water, the microcontroller 118 may also trigger a corresponding blockchain transaction to authenticate and process the procurement request via verified suppliers.
[0040] Furthermore, the blockchain engine 122 may provide decentralized access control, allowing multiple stakeholders such as municipal authorities, water supply agencies, and environmental organizations to monitor water conservation data while preserving user privacy.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 124 may be adapted to transmit a real-time analytics and insights on water consumption patterns to the database 126 and to the computing unit 128. The communication unit 124 may be, but not limited to, a Wi-Fi communication unit, a Bluetooth communication unit, a millimeter waves communication unit, an Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) communication unit, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the communication unit 124, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the database 126 may be adapted to store the real-time analytics and the insights on the water consumption patterns. The database 126 may be for example, but not limited to, a distributed database, a personal database, an end-user database, a commercial database, a Structured Query Language (SQL) database, a non-SQL database, an operational database, a relational database, an object-oriented database, a graph database, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the database 126 may be a cloud database. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the database 126, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0043] Further, the database 126 may be stored in a cloud server, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the cloud server may be remotely located. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cloud server may be a public cloud server. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cloud server may be a private cloud server. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the cloud server may be a dedicated cloud server. According to embodiments of the present invention, the cloud server may be, but not limited to, a Microsoft Azure cloud server, an Amazon AWS cloud server, a Google Compute Engine (GCE) cloud server, an Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) cloud server, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the cloud server, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the computing unit 128 may be an electronic device used by the user. The computing unit 128 may be adapted to enable the user to monitor real-time water usage, track savings, and redeem water credits. The computing unit 128 may be, but not limited to, a personal computer, a desktop, a server, a laptop, a tablet, a mobile phone, a notebook, a netbook, a smartphone, a wearable device, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the computing unit 128, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0045] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for smart reverse osmosis (RO) water purification, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] At step 202, the system 100 may receive the factors monitored by the water monitoring unit 106.
[0047] At step 204, the system 100 may compare the monitored factors with the drinkable parameter. Upon comparison, if the monitored factors lie within the drinkable parameter, then the method 200 may proceed to a step 206. Otherwise, the method 200 may proceed to a step 210.
[0048] At the step 206, the system 100 may actuate the electronic valve 108 to route the water in the first container 110.
[0049] At step 208, the system 100 may command the machine learning model 120 to moderate the filtration unit 114 for filtering the water in the first container 110.
[0050] At the step 210, the system 100 may actuate the electronic valve 108 to route the water in the second container 112.
[0051] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0052] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A water purifier with blockchain-based water credit system (100), the system (100) comprising:
a water monitoring unit (106), installed at an inlet port (104) of a water purifier (102), adapted to monitor factors relating to a quality of water;
an electronic valve (108), installed with the water monitoring unit (106), adapted to route the water monitored by the water monitoring unit (106) in a first container (110) or a second container (112);
a filtration unit (114), installed in the first container (110), adapted to filter the water contained in the first container (110), wherein the filtered water is utilized for activities selected from, cooking, drinking, or a combination thereof;
a blockchain engine (122) adapted to maintain a blockchain-based water credit ledger that utilizes a decentralized smart contract to issue water credits to a user based on verified water savings; and
a microcontroller (118) communicatively connected to the water monitoring unit (106), the electronic valve (108), and to the filtration unit (114), characterized in that the microcontroller (118) is configured to:
receive the factors monitored by the water monitoring unit (106);
compare the monitored factors with a drinkable parameter;
actuate the electronic valve (108) to route the water in the first container (110), when the monitored factors lie within the drinkable parameter; and
command a machine learning model (120) to moderate the filtration unit (114) for filtering the water in the first container (110).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a discard valve (116), installed in the second container (112), adapted to be actuated for drainage of the water contained in the second container (112), wherein the drained water is utilized for activities selected from, cleaning, bathing, washing, gardening, flushing, or a combination thereof
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller (118) is configured to actuate the electronic valve (108) to route the water in the second container (112), when the monitored factors lie outside of the drinkable parameter
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the monitored factors are selected from a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the water, a hardness of the water, a calcium concentrate in the water, a percentage of microplastics in the water, or a combination thereof.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a communication unit (124) adapted to transmit a real-time analytics and insights on water consumption patterns to a database (126) and a computing unit (128).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blockchain engine (122) is configured to maintain immutable records of the verified water savings, water-related transactions, or a combination thereof.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a computing unit (128) adapted to enable a user monitor real-time water usage, track savings, and redeem water credits.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filtration unit (114) comprise of filters selected from a sediment filter, an activated carbon filter, a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane, an ultraviolet (UV) filter, an ultrafiltration (UF) membrane, an alkaline filter, a mineralizer, an activated carbon post-filter, or a combination thereof.
9. A method (200) for smart reverse osmosis (RO) water purification, the method (200) is characterized by steps of:
receiving factors monitored by a water monitoring unit (106);
comparing the monitored factors with a drinkable parameter;
actuating an electronic valve (108) to route the water in a first container (110), when the monitored factors lie within the drinkable parameter; and
commanding a machine learning model (120) to moderate a filtration unit (114) for filtering the water in the first container (110).
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, comprising a step of actuating the electronic valve (108) to route the water in a second container (112), when the monitored factors lie outside of the drinkable parameter.
Date: March 05, 2025
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant