FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a system for measurement of liquid levels. Particularly, the present invention relates to an automatic liquid level detection system and its method thereof for measuring water levels inside any storage tank in real time.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Water is one of the basic need of human race. Over the period of time, several ways has been used by mankind to preserve and store water in order to use water for household, industrial or agricultural purposes. Water tanks or storage facilities are among the ways that used to store thousand liters of water or more. Conventional storage facilities or water tanks are not equipped with any instrument or device or system that can provide accurate water level information to owner or users. In large apartments or buildings, the water receiving tank needs to control or maintain the water supply from an external water pipe so that the water level is always within a certain range in order to supply tap water stably, and thus there is need to detect accurate information of water levels within the water receiving tank or other similar storage mediums.
[003] There are several patent application that provides a system for detection of water levels in water tanks or similar storage facilities. One such Chinese Patent Application CN108931283B discloses a water level detection method of a water tank, which comprises the following steps: acquiring a voltage value on a water level detection electrode; detecting the voltage fluctuation value of the voltage value within preset time, and judging the water level of the water tank according to the voltage fluctuation value. The embodiment of the invention discloses a water level detection device of a water tank. By the scheme of the embodiment of the invention, the water level of the water tank can be directly and accurately detected without being influenced by water quality. The aforementioned prior art uses water level detection electrode to measure voltage fluctuation and based on that measures water level, but lacks means to measure different water levels using Single pair cable.
[004] US7880625B2 discloses a liquid level warning device with a separate audible alarm is disposed in a liquid tank for indicating the amount of liquid in the tank. The device also includes a plurality of float switches disposed at pre-selected levels within the tank and a plurality of LED's for indicating the level of liquid in the tank. A separate audible alarm independent of the visual indicators sounds an alarm when the tank is at a pre-selected level. A float switch is also disclosed. This prior art utilizes physical sensing method at preselected water levels with multiple floating switches for multiple levels. Thus the prior art require multiple wires to detect water levels as well as the prior art lacks any means to avoid false sensing or noise and unable to differentiate between stable and unstable water traces.
[005] US11428564B2 discloses a remote pulse TDR liquid level measurement system and method may include inserting a probe into a body of water. The probe has a probe/air interface, and the body of water includes an air/water interface. A narrow pulse is remotely transmitted to the probe via a coaxial cable. A first impedance mismatch is received from the probe/air interface in a form of a positive reflected pulse, and a second impedance mismatch is received from the air/water interface in a form of a negative reflected pulse. A time between the positive reflected pulse and the negative reflected pulse is calculated, and the time is converted to a distance, the distance being indicative of the water level. The prior art is unable to avoid false sensing or noise which leads to inaccurate water level information and does not have any means that can differentiate between stable and unstable water traces.
[006] In view of the above problems associated with the state of the art, there is a need of a cost effective measurement system that can accurately detect multiple water levels within one or more water storage tanks in a real time.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[007] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide an automatic liquid level detection system and its method thereof.
[008] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective system by using single pair transmission cable for N levels for water level detection.
[009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an environment friendly, easy to operate system for water level detection.
[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system for water level measuring that suitable for fixed applications over a long period of time and can be used with a plurality of different containers and container types.
[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to avoid false sensing while collecting information about water levels.
[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to avoid wastage of water by providing overflow water level data to users or owners of the system.
[0013] Yet another objective of the present invention is to indicate reserve water level data by the device to alarm user for low levels.
[0014] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, the aspects of the present invention are disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] The present invention will be better understood after reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred aspects thereof with reference to the appended drawings, in which the features, other aspects and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the invention will be more apparent from the accompanying drawing in which:

[0016] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for measurement of liquid levels.

[0017] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a Primary unit.

[0018] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of a sensor hub.

[0019] Figure 4 illustrates flow chart depicting detection of water levels and information provided to users.

S.No. Name of Component Reference Numeral
1. Primary Unit 101
2. Sensor Hub 102
3. Sensor Wires 103
4. Stabilization Unit 104
5. Processing Unit 105
6. Input Unit 106
7. Transducers 107
8. Light Emitting Diodes 108
9. Single pair of cable 109

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present invention relates to an automatic liquid level detection system and its method thereof. The system is employed with a primary unit and a sensor hub. The primary unit and sensor hub are interconnected with each other via a single pair of cable. The primary unit detects the water level with the help of the sensor hub as the sensor hub consists of different analog switches arranged in parallel connection with each other. The analog switches are opened or closed or partially opened based on the water level and conditions inside water tank(s). The primary unit includes a processing unit that is configured to determine the water level(s) inside water tank(s) by taking different samples via the sensor hub. The processing unit is configured with a software module that allows very quick sampling of the water level in the water tanks and manage power needs of whole system in a very efficient manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The following description describes various features and functions of the disclosed system with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, similar symbols identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative aspects described herein are not meant to be limiting. It may be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed system can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which have not been contemplated herein.

[0022] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0023] Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.

[0024] The terms and words used in the following description are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustrative purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention.

[0025] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0026] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, components or groups thereof. The equations used in the specification are only for computation purpose.

[0027] The present invention relates to a system for measuring liquid level preferably water level in any water tank and a method thereof. The system receives accurate water level information with the help of single pair of cable and provides audio-visual indications to users for efficient utilization of water storage facilities.
[0028] Figure 1 illustrates, the system (100) of the present invention comprising a primary unit (101) interconnected with a sensor hub (102) via single pair of cable (109) for collecting information gathered by the sensor hub (102). The primary unit (101) includes but not limited to, a stabilization unit (104), a processing or computing unit (105), an input unit (106), a plurality of transducers (107), a plurality of LEDs (108). The sensor hub (102) comprises plurality of analog switches and plurality of sensor wires (103) connected with plurality of sensors.

[0029] The components of the system (100) are described herein detail:

[0030] 1) Primary Unit (101):

[0031] (a) an input unit (106) – The input unit (106) used in the present invention is a touch based user input unit (106)/touch pad/touch display preferably a capacitive touch plate that allows users to move their fingers across its surface for receiving input. The input unit (106) allows the user to interact with the system and provide instructions based on their requirement. According to the input provided by the user the input unit displays the relevant information.

[0032] (b) a stabilization unit (104): The stabilization unit (104) is connected with on board power supply (i.e. power supply and the stabilization unit (104) are installed on a same Printed Circuit Board (PCB)) and the power supply is provided by two battery cells which may be selected from but not limited to AA cells. The stabilization unit (104) is configured to stabilize power supply via capacitor. The stabilization unit (104) is electrically connected with the processing or computing unit (105) and other components (such as but not limited to sensor hub, input unit, transducers, LEDs, etc) of the system. The stabilization unit (104) receives the input power supply and stabilizes it by eliminating noise before supplying to all onboard components including the processing unit (105).

[0033] (c) a processing unit (105) – The processing unit (105) (illustrated in fig 1 and fig 2) is configured to monitor and control operations of the system of the present invention. The processing unit may be but not limited to a microcontroller or a microprocessor. The processing unit (105) receives input from the sensor hub (102) and accordingly supervise the working of the components of the system. The working of the components may include ON/OFF function of the sensors, measuring and analyzing data based on the requirement of the user from the sensor hub (102).

[0034] (d) Software module – The software module is configured within the processing unit (105) for managing power requirement of the system. The software module of the present invention helps in maintaining the robustness of the system of the present invention by determining the difference between stable water level and the unstable water traces inside tank(s) to eliminate noise and false sensing of water levels. Further the software module also improves the Sensor life by using anti corrosion Technology designed using “a structured code” embedded in the processing unit. Generally if DC Current pass through water then one electrode shreds off. In the system this phenomenon is minimized to 0.01% by a set of code that controls the current.

[0035] (e) Transducers (107) – Plurality of transducers (107) are functionally connected with the processing unit (105). The plurality of transducers (107) receive touch based user input or user commands and provides output via illuminating plurality of multicolor Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) (108) and an alarm. In an embodiment, the LEDs (108) are positioned on the primary unit (101).

[0036] (2) a Sensor Hub (102) – The sensor hub (102) is connected to the primary unit (101) via single pair of cable (109) and the sensor hub (102) is connected with the processing unit (105) to transmit collected data from sensor wires (103). The sensor hub includes an array of three sensor circuits that are analog switches that perform opening and closing of the gates when the sensor wires are dipped in water and information is parallel up for all sensors and collectively sent to the microcontroller. The said information conveys the user regarding the actual liquid level in the tank.

[0037] In an embodiment, the primary unit (101) is connected with the sensor hub (102) via a single pair of cable (109). The usage of single pair cable for N Levels (i.e. water levels) detection provides economic wire installation and maintenance of the system. Inside the sensor hub (102), array of analog switches (shown in fig 1) is linked with the processing unit (105) via one cable (109) and lower 109 wire is connected to all analog switches also. One end of each of the sensor wire (103) is connected to each of the analog switch and other end of the each sensor wire (103) is dipped or placed into water storage tanks at different levels. It should be noted that, the sensor wires (103) are suspended freely inside the water tank unit with bare metal at the end. Once water touches the bare metal end level is changed. The primary unit detects the water level(s) with the help of the sensor hub as it consists of different analog switches. The analog switches are opened or closed or partially opened based on the water level(s) and conditions inside the tank.

[0038] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of a circuit diagram of sensor hub (102). The circuit diagram represents that components of the system are arranged in a very specific order to serve the accurate sensing of water level information. The parallel connection between the sensor circuits is utilized to collectively parallel up information gathered by the sensor wires (103).

[0039] In an embodiment, the processing unit (105) receive the information collected from the sensor hub (102) via cable (109). The information includes voltage drop across the sensor hub (102) to find out the Level inside the water tank unit. Based on the fetched information water level(s) is calculated by the processing unit (105) and prompted to the user. In an exemplary embodiment, the processing unit (105) is an Attiny 404 microcontroller. The microcontroller is configured using the software module and the software module is configured to manage the power requirement of the device and the input sampling received from the sensor HUB. It is to be noted that, the whole system works on interrupts and only wakes up when there is any change in inputs or sensors. For rest of time the system sleeps and consume minimal power. The microcontroller is configured via machine readable instructions that allows very quick sampling of the water level(s) in the water tank(s).

[0040] The software module receives multiple samples of water tank(s) via the sensor hub and due to analog nature of the switches, the software module differentiates between unstable levels and stable levels. Once stable sampling is received, the processing unit sends command signal to the input unit to display the water levels accordingly to notify users. In an exemplary embodiment, the microcontroller is configured to transmit command signals to the plurality of transducers (107) outputs on detecting different water levels. The microcontroller is configured to compare water level detection value with predefined threshold values and based upon that the microcontroller further transmits the command signals to the transducer outputs.

[0041] Further, the plurality of transducers (107) are functionally connected with the processing unit (105), input unit (106), plurality of LEDs (108) and the alarm. In a preferred embodiment, the LED’s (108) are RGB LED’s. The RGB LED’s are able to produce color code in order to provide visual indication of different water levels to the user. The RGB LED’s show colors code based on different water levels fetched by the microcontroller. In exemplary case, the RGB LED’s are used to provide other indications (for example fault or emergency in different colors) in optical manner to the user. In an embodiment, the alarm receives command signal from the microcontroller and the alarm is used to alert the user and acts as audible indicator to notify user. It is to be noted that, the system provides the detected water level in a very accurate manner.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the input unit (106) is a capacitive touch plate that acts based on timing of touch by the user to perform different actions. The input unit (106) is configured via a user interface. The user interface is configured to provide options, allow user to interact with the system and view information about water level detection data. The user interface is preferably a Graphical User Interface (GUI).The user manually needs to provide input over the input unit (106) to provide command to the system according to need. In an exemplary embodiment, a touch button is used with the primary unit to make indicator LED light visible for up to four seconds on short touch and if the user wants to switch off the system, a long touch will be required by the user on the button. The touch button may be used to shut off the alarm during overflow water level detection and Reserve level Alarms.

[0043] Figure 4 illustrates the working of the present invention:
• supplying power to the system;
• performing self-analysis of the system;
• stabilizing the input power supply via the stabilization unit;
• checking overflow or underflow condition of the tank(s) via processing unit;
• transmitting signal to alarm to accordingly notify user regarding the water level;
• updating the RGB LED light based on the detected water level;
• checking for any new user input via the touch panel; and
• providing output based on the command of the user

[0044] The present invention exhibits following advantages:

(a) The present invention provides a cost-effective, environmental friendly, digitally enabled, accurate water level measurement system.

(b) The system provides accurate data of overflow or underflow of water in storage tanks hence saves water as well as allow users to determine water filling schedule, thus saves electricity.

(c) The system avoids false sensing and noise as well as detect water levels in multiple water tanks via a single pair of cable.

(d) The current consumption of the system is ultra-low in nature, hence cost of operation of the system remains minimal.

(e) The system uses single pair cable for N Levels detection, therefore reduces the wire cost drastically.

[0045] While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not 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.

WE CLAIM:

1. A system (100) for measurement of liquid levels, comprising:
a) a stabilization unit (104);
b) a primary unit (101), comprising:
o a processing unit (105) connected with the stabilization unit (104);
o an input unit (106) operatively coupled to the processing unit (105);
o a plurality of transducers (107) functionally connected to the processing unit (105) and the input unit (106);
o a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LED’s) (108) positioned over the primary unit (101); and
o an alarm;
c) a sensor hub (102) connected with the processing unit (105);and
d) a plurality of sensor wires (103) paired to with the sensor hub (102);
wherein,
i. the primary unit is connected to the sensor hub via single pair of cable;
ii. the stabilization unit (104) is configured to stabilize power supply;
iii. the input unit (106) is configured to receive touch based user input;
iv. the transducers (107) are configured to produce outputs for the LED’s (108) based upon the user input and command received from the processing unit (105);
v. the sensor hub (102) comprises an array of three sensor circuits that are coupled in parallel format with each other in order to form an analog switches,
vi. the processing unit (105) is configured to control components of the system based on the water level detection; and
vii. the plurality of LEDs (108) to produce color codes in accordance to predefined water levels and alarm to alert the user.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (105) may be but not limited to a microcontroller.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the LED’s (108) are RGB LED’s that can produce multiple colors to provide visual indication to the user.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is configured using a software module that manage input samples received from the sensor hub (102) to differentiate between stable and unstable water levels.

5. The method of working of the system of the present invention comprises the following steps:
• supplying power to the system;
• performing self-analysis of the system;
• stabilizing the input power supply via the stabilization unit;
• checking overflow or underflow condition of the tank(s) via processing unit;
• transmitting signal to alarm to accordingly notify user regarding the water level;
• updating the RGB LED light based on the detected water level;
• checking for any new user input via the touch panel; and
• providing output based on the command of the user.