Claims:1. An apparatus comprising:
a microcontroller (108) configured to receive system data;
a display unit(104) that receives the system data from the microcontroller (108);
a sensor (112) configured to generate a presence signal based on presence of an operator (116) near the display unit, wherein board (102) further comprises a controller (110) configured to switch on the display unit (104) upon receipt of the presence signal.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller (110) is further configured to switch off the display unit (104) in absence of the presence signal for a predetermined time.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor (112) further generates an absence signal based on absence of the operator (116) near the display unit (104).

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the controller (110) is further configured to switch off the display unit (104) upon receipt of the absence signal.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the sensor (112) generates the absence signal when absence of the operator (116) is detected for a predefined time duration.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the system data comprises one or a combination of voltage, current, frequency, energy consumption, on-indication, off-indication, fault indication, warning indication and malfunction indication associated with an electrical system.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display unit (104) is configured in any or a combination of a distribution board, metering board, switchgear panel and an electrical panel.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises an illumination unit configured to be switched on when the display unit (104) switches on, and is switched off when the display unit (104) switches off.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor is one or a combination of an Infrared sensor, a weight sensor, a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, a proximity sensor, a light sensor, a heat sensor, a vibration sensor, a infrared camera, a motion detector, a proximity detector, a LED sensor, a microphone, a laser, and radar.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is physically isolated from the operator, and wherein the controller is configured to switch on the display unit upon receipt of the presence signal after successful authentication of the operator.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of electrical and automation industries. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to enhancing lifecycle of distribution boards used in electrical and automation industries.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Distribution boards, including circuit breakers, control switches, energy meters, etc., are used in electrical and automation industries. A distribution board typically includes a display unit that displays various live data including voltage, current, power consumption, etc. An onboard microcontroller continuously fetches live data and displays the same on the display unit continuously (24X7). In reality, continuously displaying the live parameters is not necessary as an authorized operator visits the distribution board only occasionally and needs very little time to perform his maintenance work or any other scheduled work.
[0004] Display units on distribution boards have an approximate lifespan, depending upon the technology and components used in their manufacture, of about 2 to 5 years compared to the lifespan of 8 to 10 years of a distribution board. Once the display unit stops working, whole of the distribution board may need to be replaced or the display unit has to be replaced many a times during the lifespan of the distribution board. This results in extra maintenance work and cost.
[0005] Further, when an operator (or any authorized person) needs to take readings or work on the distribution boards, (s)he needs to switch on the on board illumination unit ON manually in order to carry out the maintenance work or any scheduled work and then manually switch OFF the same which could be annoying.An automatic switching ON/OFF of the illumination unit can be extremely useful especially during the nights when it is dark around the distribution board.
[0006] There is therefore a need to prolong the lifespan of the display units so that the overall lifespan of the distribution board can be enhanced significantly saving time & money, switch off the onboard microcontroller when not required and to make the switching ON/OFF of the illumination unit automatic making the distribution board more cost effective and efficient.
[0007] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in mean incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply
[0008] In some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0009] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0010] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0011] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Marcus groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for an apparatus that can tremendously enhance the functional lifespan of its display unit.
[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for an apparatus that can enhance the overall lifespan of a distribution board it is configured in.
[0014] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for an apparatus that can reduce the maintenance / replacement efforts and costs of its display unit.
[0015] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for an apparatus that can tremendously reduce the overall power consumption of the distribution board it is configured in.
[0016] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for an apparatus that can provide a well lit environment to an operator of the distribution board it is configured in.
[0017] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for an apparatus that can easily and economically convert a normal distribution board to one with above benefits.
[0018] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for an apparatus with above benefits that is very safe and secure in its functioning.

SUMMARY
[0019] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of electrical and automation industries. In particular, it pertains to enhancing the lifecycle of distribution boards used in electrical and automation industries.
[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the invention discloses an apparatus that can include a display unit that displays system data (such data being that of an electrical system that forms part of the apparatus); a microcontroller that sends the system data to the display unit; a sensor configured to generate a presence signal based on presence of an operator near the display unit; and a controller characterized in that, said controller is configured to switch on the display unit upon receipt of the presence signal.
[0021] In another aspect, the controller of the apparatus can be further configured to switch off the display unit in absence of the presence signal for a predetermined time.
[0022] In another aspect, the sensor can further generate an absence signal based on absence of the operator near the display unit.
[0023] In yet another aspect, the controller of the apparatus disclosed can be further configured to switch off the display unit upon receipt of the absence signal.
[0024] In an aspect, the sensor of the controller disclosed can generate the absence signal when absence of the operator is detected for predefined time duration.
[0025] In an aspect, the system data can include one or a combination of voltage, current, frequency, energy consumption, system on-indication, system off-indication, system fault indication, system warning indication and system malfunction indication associated with an electrical system.
[0026] In another aspect, the display unit can be configured in any or a combination of a distribution board, metering board, switchgear panel and an electrical panel.
[0027] In an aspect, the microcontroller of the apparatus disclosed can be configured to be switched on when the display unit switches on and to be switched off when the display unit switches off.
[0028] In yet another aspect, the apparatus can further include an illumination unit that can be configured to be switched on when the display unit switches on and to be switched off when the display unit switches off.
[0029] In an aspect, the sensor of the apparatus disclosed can be one or a combination of IR sensor, weight sensor, fingerprint sensor, iris sensor, proximity sensor, light sensor, heat sensor, vibration sensor, infrared camera, motion detector, proximity detector, LED sensor, microphone, laser, radar and any like sensor.
[0030] In another aspect, the apparatus disclosed can be physically isolated from the operator so as not to cause any electrical/ physical hazard to the operator.
[0031] In yet another aspect, the controller of the apparatus disclosed can be configured to switch on the display unit upon receipt of the presence signal after successful authentication of the operator.
[0032] In another aspect, the controller of the apparatus disclosed can illuminate an illumination unit on receipt of the presence signal before authentication of the operator.
[0033] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary front panel diagram of the distribution board in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0036] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0037] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0038] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0039] Various terms as used herein are defined below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0040] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of electrical and automation industries. In particular, it pertains to enhancing the lifecycle of distribution boards used in electrical and automation industries.
[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the invention discloses an apparatus that can include a display unit that displays system data ( such data being that of an electrical system that forms part of the proposed apparatus); a microcontroller that sends the system data to the display unit; a sensor configured to generate a presence signal based on presence of an operator near the display unit; and a controller characterized in that, said controller is configured to switch on the display unit upon receipt of the presence signal.
[0042] In another aspect, the controller of the apparatus can be further configured to switch off the display unit in absence of the presence signal for a predetermined time.
[0043] In another aspect, the sensor can further generate an absence signal based on absence of the operator near the display unit.
[0044] In yet another aspect, the controller of the apparatus disclosed can be further configured to switch off the display unit upon receipt of the absence signal.
[0045] In an aspect, the sensor of the controller disclosed can generate the absence signal when absence of the operator is detected for predefined time duration.
[0046] In an aspect, the system data can comprise one or a combination of voltage, current, frequency, energy consumption, system on-indication, system off-indication, system fault indication, system warning indication and system malfunction indication associated with an electrical system.
[0047] In another aspect, the display unit can be configured in any or a combination of a distribution board, metering board, switchgear panel and an electrical panel.
[0048] In an aspect, the microcontroller of the apparatus disclosed can be configured to be switched on when the display unit switches on and to be switched off when the display unit switches off.
[0049] In yet another aspect, the apparatus can further include an illumination unit that can be configured to be switched on when the display unit switches on and to be switched off when the display unit switches off.
[0050] In an aspect, the sensor of the apparatus disclosed can be one or a combination of IR sensor, weight sensor, fingerprint sensor, iris sensor, proximity sensor, light sensor, heat sensor, vibration sensor, infrared camera, motion detector, proximity detector, LED sensor, microphone, laser, radar and any like sensor.
[0051] In another aspect, the apparatus disclosed can be physically isolated from the operator so as not to cause any electrical/ physical hazard to the operator.
[0052] In yet another aspect, the controller of the apparatus disclosed can be configured to switch on the display unit upon receipt of the presence signal after successful authentication of the operator.
[0053] In another aspect, the controller of the apparatus disclosed can illuminate an illumination unit on receipt of the presence signal before authentication of the operator.
[0054] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
[0055] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary front panel diagram 100 of the distribution board in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus disclosed can be configured in the distribution board 102 and can include a display unit 104, a microcontroller 108, a controller 110, an infrared sensor (IR sensor) 112, and an illumination unit 114. The microcontroller 108 can be configured to receive live display data 106 (that can be system data) that is being input to the distribution board 102,and display that data on the display unit 104. The operator 116 can perform his distribution board related scheduled/ maintenance work.
[0056] In an embodiment, the distribution board 102 can include circuit breakers, control switches, energy meters, etc. besides the devices described herein.
[0057] In an embodiment, the microcontroller 108 can receive the related live display data 106 pertaining to various parameters of system being controlled by the distribution board and forward that data to the display unit 104 of the distribution board 102. The live display data106 can include voltage, current, frequency, unit of consumption, etc.
[0058] In an embodiment, the display unit 104 can include a LCD, a LED,or any otherpanel to display data. The display unit 104can be configured to receive live display data 106 from the microcontroller 108 and display it. Furthermore, the display unit 104 can be configured to visually display any fault/ malfunction/ warning, if any, indicating the faulty parts.The display unit 104 can be configured to display live display data 106andfault/ malfunction/ warning, if any, when in switched ON state and display no information when in switched OFF state.
[0059] In an embodiment, the illumination unit 114 can include on board light sources including CFL bulbs, LED bulbs etc., that can be switched ON to let the operator 116 carry out their scheduled/ maintenance work and switched OFF subsequent to completion of work when the operator 116 has left.
[0060] In an embodiment, an operator 116 can be an authorized person to carry out his scheduled/ maintenance work including meter readings, replacing parts, cleaning the distribution board etc.
[0061] In an embodiment, an Infrared (IR) sensor 112, installed on the distribution board 102, can be configured to sense the presence of the operator 116 in the close vicinity of the distribution board 102 and the display unit 104. The IR sensor 112 can be configured to sense the operator 116 continuously (24X7), i.e., during the day or night when it can be dark around. Further, the IR sensor 112 can be configured to sense when the operator 116 has finished his work and has left. Furthermore, the IR sensor 112 can be configured to send a presence signal (when the operator 116 is present nearby to perform scheduled/ maintenance work) to the controller 110 and again send an absence signal (when the operator 116 has left) to the controller 110, i.e., the IR sensor 112 can communicate the presence/ absence of the operator 116 to the controller 110. In an embodiment, the IR sensor can remain active continuously (24X7).
[0062] In an embodiment, the controller 110, installed on the distribution board 102, can be configured to remain in an ON state continuously (24X7) and control the switching of the display unit 104, the microcontroller 108, and the illumination unit 114 on the distribution board 102. In an embodiment, the controller 110 can be configured to keep the display unit 104, the microcontroller 108, and the illumination unit 114 in the switched OFF state normally, i.e., by default no live display data 106 can be received by the microcontroller 108 and no live display data 106 can be displayed on the display unit 104. As such, only the controller 110 and the IR sensor 112 can be in switched ON condition all the time (24X7).
[0063] In an embodiment, when the operator 116 approaches the distribution board 102 and the display unit 104 configured within for scheduled/ maintenance work, the IR sensor 112 can sense the presence of the operator 116 and send a presence signal to the controller 110. Similarly, when the operator has left, the IR sensor 112 can sense the absence of the operator 116 and send an absence signal to the controller 110.
[0064] In an embodiment, the controller 110 can be configured to receive the presence/ absence signal from the IR sensor 112. Whenever the controller 110 receives a presence signal from the IR sensor 112, it can switch ON the display unit 104, the microcontroller 108, and the illumination unit 114 simultaneously. The microcontroller 108 can fetch the live display data 106 and send the same to the display unit 104. Simultaneously, the illumination unit 114 can be lit automatically and let the operator 116 perform his scheduled/ maintenance work. The display unit 104, the microcontroller 108, and the illumination unit 114 can remain switched ON as long as the operator remains nearby performing his scheduled/ maintenance work. As soon as the operator 116 leaves the place, the controller 110 can receive the absence signal from the IR sensor 112 and can switch OFF the display unit 104, the microcontroller 108 and the illumination unit 114 simultaneously. In an embodiment, the controller 110 can be configured to insert a configurable delay (say five minutes) in switching OFF the devices(the display unit 104, the microcontroller 108, the illumination unit 114 or any combination of these)subsequent to receiving the absence signal.
[0065] In another embodiment, the controller 110 can be configured to switch off the display unit 104 in absence of the presence signal for a predetermined time. That is, there need not be any necessity of the controller 110 to receive an absence signal from the IR sensor 112 to switch off the display unit 106. Simply the absence of the presence signal for a predetermined time can cause the controller 110 to switch off the display unit 106. The predetermined time can be set, for example, by the operator, to be 30 seconds when the controller 110 can switch off the display unit 106 thirty seconds after the presence signal becomes absent. In another exemplary embodiment, the predetermined time can be zero seconds when the controller 110 can switch off the display unit 106 as soon as the presence signal becomes absent.
[0066] In an embodiment, a distribution board with such controls can bring with it a huge number of benefits. Firstly, the lifespan of the display unit 104 can be tremendously enhanced. Display units have the shortest lifespan compared to any other units on the distribution board. The lifespan of the display unit depends on how long it has been in use, .Now that the display unit 104 of the distribution board 102 can be in a switched ON state for very less amount of time only when an operator is nearby, its overall functional lifespan can be tremendously enhanced, thereby prolonging the overall lifespan of the distribution board 102. Secondly, the display unit 104 can now require less maintenance/ replacement efforts, thereby saving unnecessary visit of the operator 116, time and money. Thirdly, the overall power consumption can be tremendously reduced as the microcontroller 108, display unit 104 and illumination unit 114 of the distribution board 102 can remain in a non-functional state for a significant time of their life spans thereby increasing their functional life and reducing their daily power consumption. Fourthly, since the illumination unit 114 can be switched ON automatically, the distribution board 102 can provide a well lit welcome environment for the operator 116 to carry out his scheduled/ maintenance work at any time of the day/ night. The operator 116 need not worry to manually switch ON the illumination unit 114 to perform his work and then switch OFF the same before leaving. Fifthly, the cost of converting a normal distribution board to the one described can be very low as the IR sensor 112 can be significantly cheaper compared to the high cost of the display unit 104. Sixthly, the IR sensor 112 can be electrically hazard free since the operator need not physically touch it.
[0067] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to IR sensor 112, it can be configured with any other sensing device available in the market that can achieve same/ better results.Such sensors can include, but are not limited to, those that can detect visible light, infrared light, heat, vibrations, sound, motion, and proximity or any other factor indicative of the presence or absence of a person. The sensors can include an infrared camera, motion detector, proximity detector, LED sensor, light sensor, heat sensor, microphone, laser, radar, or any other sensing device, or a combination of these. For example, in an embodiment, a weight sensor can be used that can be embedded in floor in front of the display panel, to produce signals when someone stands on it or gets down from it. Other sensors that could be used include but are not limited to fingerprint sensors, voice sensors, iris sensors etc.
[0068] In an embodiment, the controller 110 can be configured to switch ON only the illumination unit 114 initially, and match the identity of the authorized operator 116 via any ID check. The controller can be configured to scan the fingerprint of the operator 116. The ID check can include scanning the fingerprint of the operator 116 and comparing with existing fingerprint database of authorized operators 116 stored with the controller 110. The display unit 104 and microcontroller 108 can be switched ON only if the fingerprint of the operator can be recognized. In an embodiment, the ID scanner can include, but not limited to, iris scan, voice scan, face scan, ID cards can etc. The controller 110 can be further configured to log operator’s visit.
[0069] In an embodiment, the controller 110 can also be configured for many other situations. For example, it can be configured to detect an operator only when he is within a certain distance from the distribution board 102. Though the controller 110 here is shown to control the switching on or off of the display unit 104, the microcontroller 108 and the illumination unit 114, it can be configured to control any other units on the distribution board. In this fashion, manifold embodiments of the controller 110can be possible.
[0070] While the operator has been described above in masculine gender, it can be readily understood that the invention disclosed can apply to any gender.
[0071] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0072] The present disclosure provides for an apparatus that can tremendously enhance the functional lifespan of its display unit.
[0073] The present disclosure provides for an apparatus that can enhance the overall lifespan of a distribution board it is configured in.
[0074] The present disclosure provides for an apparatus that can reduce the maintenance / replacement efforts and costs of its display unit.
[0075] The present disclosure provides for an apparatus that can tremendously reduce the overall power consumption of the distribution board it is configured in.
[0076] The present disclosure provides for an apparatus that can provide a well lit environment to an operator of the distribution board it is configured in.
[0077] The present disclosure provides for an apparatus that can easily and economically convert a normal distribution board to one with above benefits.
[0078] The present disclosure provides for an apparatus with above benefits that can be very safe and secure in its functioning.