Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A water monitoring system (100) comprising:
a water monitoring device (102), installed at a water tank (120) of a house, wherein the water monitoring device (102) comprises:
a sensor (124) configured to sense signals representing a flow of water pumped into the water tank (120) of the house;
a leakage detector (126) configured to detect a leakage in the water tank (120);
a valve (128) configured to control the flow of water pumped into the water tank (120); and
a controller (130) connected to the sensor (124), the leakage detector (126), and the valve (128), wherein the controller (130) is configured to:
receive sensed signals representing the flow of water pumped into the water tank (120) of the house from the sensor (124);
determine the amount of water pumped into the water tank (120) of the house based on the received sensed signals;
compare the determined amount of water with a requested amount of water associated with the house, wherein the requested amount of water is stored in a database (112);
generate an alert signal when the determined amount of water is equal to the requested amount of water; and
restrict the flow of water into the water tank (120) using the valve (128) based on the generated alert signal.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a water supply application (118) installed on the user device (106) of the user enables the user to generate a water supply request by providing request data.
3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the request data comprises one of, the requested amount of water, an address, a mobile number, an identification proof, a payment acknowledgement, or a combination thereof.
4. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the water supply application (118) enables the user to monitor one of, a daily report, a weekly report, a monthly report, a yearly report, and thereof.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (130) is configured to generate a refill notification when the determined amount of water is equal to the requested amount of water.
6. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the refill notification comprises one of, the requested amount of water, the determined amount of water, or a combination thereof.
7. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the controller (130) is configured to transmit the generated refill notification to a water monitoring platform (110) configured to display the refill notification through a water supply application (118) installed on the user device (106).
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (130) is configured to generate a leak notification when the leakage in the water tank (120) is detected based on the received sensed signals from the leakage detector (126).
9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the leak notification comprises one of, a location of the leakage in the water tank (120), a time of the detected leakage, or a combination thereof.
10. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the controller (130) is configured to transmit the leak notification to the water monitoring platform (110) configured to display the leak notification through the water supply application (118) installed on the user device (106).
Date: 23 July 2020
Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)

, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENT ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&

THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10, and rule 13)

TITLE OF THE INVENTION
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLING WATER SUPPLY
APPLICANT(S)
NAME: P Ramchandar Rao
NATIONALITY: INDIAN
ADDRESS: S R Engineering College, Ananthasagar (V), Hasanparthy (M), Warangal, Telangana 506371

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed

BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a system and a method for monitoring water supply, and more particularly to a system and a method for monitoring and controlling water supply in residential areas.
Description of Related Art
[002] Water covers about 71% of the Earth's surface, in the form of seas, oceans, rivers, lakes, ponds, glaciers, etc. and some percentage of water is available as groundwater beneath a surface of the Earth. The oceans have approximately 96.50% water that is saline water and the remaining 3% is fresh water. Again, out of which only 0.08% is accessible directly to human use and rest is preserved in tundra regions. Therefore, only 0.08% of the total water percentage available on the Earth is available as fresh water for human being to make use for drinking, domestic purposes, sanitation, manufacturing, leisure, agriculture etc. So, it makes water the most precious resource that must be used responsibly. Moreover, water scarcity in individual houses, apartments, and in industries has been an issue every day from big cities to small towns and even in villages too. Therefore, water usage needs to be regulated and water wastage should be avoided for which water managements steps need to be implemented properly.
[003] Monitoring water supply is a step towards sustainable water management and for that water meters are installed at every house. Traditionally, the water meters are only designed to monitor a consumption of water in the house and generate a bill according to the reading of the water meter. However, conventional water meters are not very effective in preventing the water wastage.
[004] There is thus a need for a system and a method for managing water consumption and supply in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[005] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a water monitoring system. The system comprising a water monitoring device installed at a water tank of a house. The water monitoring device comprises a sensor to sense signals representing a flow of water pumped into the water tank of the house. The water monitoring device further comprises a leakage detector to detect a leakage in the water tank. The water monitoring device further comprises a valve for controlling the flow of water pumped into the water tank. The water monitoring device further comprises a controller connected to the sensor, the leakage detector, and the valve, wherein the controller is configured to: receive sensed signals representing the flow of water pumped into the water tank of the house from the sensor; determine the amount of water pumped into the water tank of the house based on the received sensed signals; compare the determined amount of water with a requested amount of water associated with the house, wherein the requested amount of water is stored in a database; generate an alert signal when the determined amount of water is equal to the requested amount of water; and restrict the flow of water into the water tank using the valve based on the generated alert signal.
[006] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on its particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application provide a system and a method for monitoring water supply and its usage. Next, embodiments of the present application provide a system that may be interfaced with a mobile application for reviewing, monitoring, and controlling flow of water from a main supply. Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system and a method for monitoring water consumption data in real-time. Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system and a method that allows a user to track a water consumption on a daily, weekly, monthly, yearly basis. Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system and a method that may generate a notification when a requested amount of water is supplied to a user. Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system and a method that generates a notification on detecting a leakage.
[007] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[008] 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
[009] 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:
[0010] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a water monitoring system, according to an embodiment of the invention disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 1B illustrates a water monitoring device in the water monitoring system, according to an embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 1C illustrate components of a controller of the water monitoring device, according to embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 2A illustrates components of a water monitoring platform of the water monitoring system, according to embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 2B illustrates a login portal of a water monitoring application, according to embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 2C illustrates a registration menu of a water supply application, according to embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 2D illustrates a resident menu of the water supply application, according to embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein;
[0017] FIG. 2E illustrates an administrator panel of the water supply application, according to an embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein; and
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method for monitoring and controlling of water supply using the water monitoring system, according to embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein.
[0019] 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
[0020] 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 spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a water monitoring system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The water monitoring system 100 comprises a water monitoring device 102, a cloud server 104, and a user device 106. Further, the water monitoring device 102, the cloud server 104, and the user device 106 may be connected through a communication network 108, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0024] The communication network 108 may include a data network such as, but not limited to, the Internet, a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), and so forth. In some embodiments of the present invention, the communication network 108 may include a wireless network, such as, but not limited to, a cellular network and may employ various technologies including an Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), and so forth. In some embodiments of the present invention, the communication network 108 may include or otherwise cover networks or sub-networks, each of which may include, for example, a wired or a wireless data pathway. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the water monitoring device 102, the cloud server 104, and the user device 106 may be configured to communicate with each other by one or more communication mediums connected to the communication network 108. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the communication mediums, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0025] According to embodiments of the present invention, the water monitoring device 102 may be an electrically operated device installed at a water tank 120 (as shown in FIG. 1B) of a house. The water monitoring device 102 may be configured to monitor an amount of water pumped into the water tank 120 of the house in real time.
[0026] According to embodiments of the present invention, the water tank 120 may be made up of a material such as, but not limited to, a plastic, a metal, a concrete, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the material for the water tank 120 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Further, a capacity of the water tank 120 may be equal to, but not limited to, 500 liters, 1000 liters, 1500 liters, 2000 liters, 3000 liters, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the capacity of the water tank 120 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0027] Further, the water monitoring device 102 may be configured to detect a leakage in the water tank 120, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the water monitoring device 102 may be installed near an inlet pipe of the water tank 120 of the house. In another embodiment of the present invention, the water monitoring device 102 may be installed near an outlet pipe of a centralized water tank (not shown) of a society. In another embodiment of the present invention, the water monitoring device 102 may be installed near an outlet pipe of a water tank of a pumping station. In an embodiment of the present invention, the water monitoring device 102 may be a battery operated device. Further, the working of the water monitoring device 102 will be explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 1B.
[0028] According to embodiments of the present invention, the cloud server 104 may be a centralized server for housing components associated with the water monitoring system 100 for the purpose of receiving, storing, processing, and distributing data. According to embodiments of the present invention, the cloud server 104 may be, but not limited to, an enterprise cloud server, a managed services cloud server, a colocation cloud servers, a cloud server, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the cloud server 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0029] Further, the cloud server 104 may comprise a water monitoring platform 110, and a database 112. The water monitoring platform 110 may be a computer readable program that may be configured to control operations of the water monitoring system 100. Further, the water monitoring platform 110 may be configured to control an operation of a water supply application 118 installed on the user device 106 of the user. The working of the water monitoring platform 110 will be explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0030] According to embodiments of the present invention, the database 112 may be configured for storage and retrieval of data associated with the water monitoring system 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the database 112 may be, but is not limited to, a centralized database, a distributed database, a personal database, an end-user database, a commercial database, a Structured Query Language (SQL) database, an operational database, a relational database, a cloud database, a graph database, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the database 112 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may be capable of data storage and retrieval.
[0031] The user device 106 may be configured to enable the user to receive data and transmit data within the water monitoring system 100. The user may be, but not limited to, a resident, a management secretary, a supervisor, a watermen, an administrator, and so forth. According to embodiments of the present invention, the user device 106 may be, but not limited to, a mobile device, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a portable computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a smart device, and so forth. Embodiments are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the user device 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0032] Further, the user device 106 may comprise a user interface 114, and a processor 116. The user interface 114 may be configured to enable the user to input data into the water monitoring system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user device 106 may enable the user to receive data within the water monitoring system 100. The user interface 114 may be further configured to display output data associated with the water monitoring system 100, in an embodiment of the present invention. Further, the user interface 114 may be, but is not limited to, a digital display, a touch screen display, a graphical user interface, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the user interface 114 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may be capable of enabling the user to input data and to display an output data.
[0033] The processor 116 may be configured to receive and/or transmit data associated with the water monitoring system 100 using the communication network 108. Further, the processor 116 may be configured to process data associated with the water monitoring system 100, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the processor 116 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control unit (PLC), a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a computing device, a development board, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the processor 116 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may be capable of processing the received data. Further, the user device 106 may comprise the water supply application 118. The water supply application 118 may be a computer readable program installed on the user device 106 that may be configured to enable the user to access data associated with the water monitoring system 100.
[0034] FIG. 1B illustrates the water monitoring device 102 installed on a water tank in the water monitoring system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The water monitoring device 102 installed in the water tank 120 may comprise a body 122, a sensor 124, a leakage detector 126, a valve 128, and a controller 130.
[0035] The body 122 may be designed to house components of the water monitoring device 102, in an embodiment of the present invention. The body 122 may be made up of a material, such as, but not limited to, an iron, an aluminum, a wood, a fiberglass, a hardened plastic, a chromed steel, a stainless steel, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the material for the body 122 of the water monitoring device 102 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, a shape of the body 122 may be, but not limited to, a cuboid, a cube, a cylindrical, a hexagonal, a square, a rectangular, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any of the shape of the body 122 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0036] The water monitoring device 102 may be installed at the water tank 120 of the house to continuously monitor a flow of water. The sensor 124 may be installed within the water monitoring device 102 such that the water may be in a direct field of view of the sensor 124, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sensor 124 may be configured to sense signals representing a flow of water into the water tank 120 of the house. According to embodiments of the present invention, the sensor 124 may be, but not limited to, a water flow sensor, a hall effect sensor, a YF-S201 water flow measurement sensor, an omron-D6F-V03A1 flow sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infra-red (IR) sensor, a pressure sensor, an acoustic sensor, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the sensor 124 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may be capable of monitoring the flow of water. In an embodiment of the present invention, the water monitoring device 102 may comprise a rotor (not shown) that may be placed in a path of the water flowing into the water tank 120. Further, the rotor may be connected to the sensor 124 of the water monitoring device 102. The rotor may be configured to induce a voltage and/or a pulse signal that may be transmitted to the sensor 124, as the rotor rotates by an action of water flowing through the rotor. Further, the rotor may be made up of material such as, but not limited to, a plastic, a stainless steel, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a polyethylene (PEX), and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the material of the rotor including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0037] The leakage detector 126 may be configured to detect a leakage in the water tank 120, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The leakage detector 126 may be, but not limited to, a hydroscopic tape-based sensor, a rope-style sensor, a spot leak detector, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the leakage detector 126 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may be beneficial to detect leakage.
[0038] Further, the water monitoring device 102 may comprise a valve 128 that may be provided to allow and/or restrict the flow of water into the water tank 120 of the house. According to embodiments of the present invention, the valve may be, but not limited to, a hydraulic valve, a pneumatic valve, a manual valve, a motorized valve, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the valve 128 may be a solenoid valve. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the valve 128 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Further, the valve 128 may comprise a plunger, a coil, and an orifice, in an embodiment of the present invention. The valve 128 may be configured to receive a constant electrical energy to remain open and allow the flow of water. The electrical energy supplied to the valve 128 may induce an electromagnetic field in the coil that may raise the plunger upwards and may create a flow path for the water to pass through the valve 128. Further, a deactivation of a supply of the electrical energy to the valve 128 may disperse the electromagnetic field induced in the coil that may release the plunger downwards, creating a blockage in the flow path thus restricting the flow of water.
[0039] The controller 130 of the water monitoring device 102 may be configured to process data associated with the water monitoring system 100 to generate an output, and perform other operations related to the water monitoring system 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the controller 130 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control unit (PLC), a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a computing device, a development board, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the controller 130 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies that may be capable of processing the received data. Further, the working of the controller 130 will be explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 1C.
[0040] Further, the water monitoring device 102 may comprise an inlet port 132 and an outlet port 134 that may be provided to connect the water monitoring device 102 to a water pipe joining the water tank 120. The inlet port 132 and the outlet port 134 may comprise external threads for connecting to the water pipe of the water tank 120 and a supply pipeline. In another embodiment of the present invention, the inlet port 132 and the outlet port 134 may comprise internal threads for connecting to the water pipe of the water tank 120 and the supply pipeline. In an embodiment of the present invention, the inlet port 132 and the outlet port 134 may be integrally made along with the body 122 of the water monitoring device 102. In another embodiment of the present invention, the inlet port 132 and the outlet port 134 may be removably attached to the body 122 of the water monitoring device 102.
[0041] FIG. 1C illustrates components of the controller 130 of the water monitoring device 102, according to embodiments of the present invention. The controller 130 may comprise a device configuration module 136, a data collection module 138, a data processing module 140, a valve control module 142, and a communication module 144, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a switch (not shown) of the water monitoring device 102 may be configured to generate an activation signal when the user of the water monitoring device 102 activates the switch. The activation signal may enable the device configuration module 136 that may be configured to activate the sensor 124, the leakage detector 126, and the valve 128 of the water monitoring device 102. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the switch may be configured to generate a deactivation signal when the user of the water monitoring device 102 deactivates the switch. The deactivation signal may enable the device configuration module 136 that may be configured to deactivate the sensor 124, the leakage detector 126, and the valve 128 of the water monitoring device 102.
[0043] Further, the device configuration module 136 may be configured to enable the sensor 124 may be configured to sense signals representing the flow of water pumped into the water tank 120 of the house. Further, the device configuration module 136 may be configured to transmit the received sensed signals from the sensor 124 to the data collection module 138, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the device configuration module 136 may be configured to enable the leakage detector 126 to sense signals to detect the leakage in the water tank 120 of the house. Further, the device configuration module 136 may be configured to transmit the received sensed signals from the leakage detector 126 to the data collection module 138, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] According to embodiments of the present invention, the data collection module 138 may be configured to receive the sensed signals from the device configuration module 136. Further, the data collection module 138 may be configured to store the received sensed signals onto a memory (not shown) of the water monitoring device 102. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the data collection module 138 may be further configured to transmit the received sensed signals to the data processing module 140.
[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data processing module 140 may be configured to receive a supply activation signal from the water monitoring platform 110 through the communication module 144 over the communication network 108. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the data processing module 140 may be configured to process the received sensed signals from the sensor 124 to determine an amount of water pumped into the water tank 120 of the house based on the received sensed signal. Further, the data processing nodule 140 may be configured to compare the determined amount of the water pumped into the water tank 120 with the requested amount of water included in the supply activation signal. In an exemplary scenario, if the data processing module 140 determines that the determined amount of water pumped into the water tank 120 is equal to the requested amount of water, then the data processing module 140 may be configured to generate an alert signal, and a refill notification. The refill notification may comprise, but not limited to, the determined amount of water pumped into the water tank 120, the requested amount of water included in the supply activation signal, and so forth. In another exemplary scenario, if the data processing module 140 determines that the determined amount of water pumped into the water tank 120 of the house is less than the requested amount of water, then the data processing module 140 may be configured to enable the device configuration module 136 to continue receiving sensed signals from the sensor 124.
[0046] Further, the data processing module 140 may be configured to transmit the generated alert signal to the valve control module 142, in an embodiment of the preset invention. Furthermore, the data processing module 140 may be configured to transmit the generated refill notification to the water monitoring platform 110 using the communication module 144 over the communication network 108, in an embodiment of the preset invention. The water monitoring platform 110 may be configured to display the refill notification using the water supply application 118 of the user device 106, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0047] Further, the data processing module 140 may be configured to process the sensed signals received from the leakage detector 126 to detect the leakage in the water tank 120. In an embodiment of the present invention, if the data processing module 140 determines that the leakage is detected based on the sensed signals, then the data processing module 140 may be configured to generate a leak notification. The leak notification may comprise, a location of the detected leakage in the water tank 120, a time of the leakage detection, and so forth. Further, the data processing module 140 may be configured to transmit the generated leak notification to the water monitoring platform 110 using the communication module 144 over the communication network 108, in an embodiment of the preset invention. The water monitoring platform 110 may be configured to display the leak notification using the water supply application 118 of the user device 106, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, the valve control module 142 may be configured to receive the supply activation signal from the water monitoring platform 110. The supply activation signal may enable the valve control module 142 that may be configured to open the valve 128 that may enable the flow of water into the water tank 120 of the house, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the valve control module 142 may be configured to receive the generated alert signal from the data processing module 140, in an embodiment of the present invention. Further, the valve control module 142 may be configured to close the valve 128 of the water monitoring device 102 to restrict the flow of water into the water tank 120.
[0049] FIG. 2A illustrates components of the water monitoring platform 110 of the water monitoring system 100, according to embodiments of the present invention. The water monitoring platform 110 may comprise a registration module 200, a water request module 202, and a consumption report module 204.
[0050] The registration module 200 may be configured to enable the user to register into the water monitoring system 100 through the water supply application 118 installed on the user device 106. In an embodiment of the present invention, if the user activates the water supply application 118, then the registration module 200 may be configured to display a login portal 206 (as shown in FIG. 2B) on the user interface 114 of the user device 106. The user may be, but not limited to, the resident, the management secretary, the supervisor, the watermen, the administrator, and so forth. In an embodiment of the present invention, if the user activates a new user tab 214, then the registration module 200 may be configured to enable the user to register into the water monitoring system 100 by entering an One time Password (OTP) through an enter OTP tab 220 generated after providing a mobile number through a mobile number tab 218 and further activating a submit tab 222 of the registration menu 216 (as shown in FIG. 2C). Further, the registration module 200 may be configured to enable the user to generate a user Identifier (ID) and a password that may be used by the user to login into the water monitoring system 100 through the login portal 206 by providing the user ID through a User ID tab 208 and the password through a password tab 210 of the login portal 206. In an embodiment of the present invention, if the user logs in into the water monitoring system 100 by activating the login tab 212 of the login portal 206, then the registration module 200 may be configured to redirect the user to a resident menu 224 (as shown in FIG. 2D).
[0051] According to embodiments of the present invention, the water request module 202 may be configured to enable the user to submit a water supply request by entering data such as, a requested amount of water using a required water tab 226, an address using an address tab 228, a mobile number using a mobile number tab 230, an identification proof of the resident using an identification tab 232, and a payment acknowledgment using a payment acknowledgement tab 234. In an embodiment of the present invention, the requested amount of water may be entered using a slider 236 that may be configured to enable the user to select the requested amount of water in a range of 0 liter to 2000 liters. Further, the identification proof and the payment acknowledgement may be submitted in a format, such as, but not limited to, a Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG), a Tagged Image File (TIFF), a Graphics Interchange Format (GIF), a Portable Network Graphics (PNG), and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the format for submitting the identification proof including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0052] In an embodiment of the present invention, if the water request module 202 determines that a submit request tab 238 is activated by the resident, then the water request module 202 may be configured to generate the supply activation signal. The supply activation signal may comprise the requested amount of water selected by the user and a valve activation signal. Further, the water request module 202 may be configured to transmit the generated supply activation signal to the controller 130 of the water monitoring device 102 over the communication network 108. Furthermore, the water request module 202 may be configured to store the received request data onto the database 112 periodically when the resident activates the submit request tab 238 of the resident menu 224 (as shown in the FIG. 2D). In an embodiment of the present invention, the water request module 202 may be further configured to store the request data on, but not limited to, a weekly basis, a monthly basis, a yearly basis, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the request data may be collected on a daily basis. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any period for the storage of data onto the database 112.
[0053] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the consumption report module 204 may be configured to receive the refill notification from the controller 130 of the water monitoring device 102 over the communication network 108. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the consumption report module 204 may be configured to enable the user to view a water consumption report by activating a usage report tab 240 of the resident menu 224 (as shown in the FIG. 2D). The water consumption report may comprise, but not limited to, the received request data on the daily basis, the received request data on the weekly basis, the received request data on the monthly basis, the received request data on the yearly basis, the received refill notification, and so forth. Further, the consumption report module 204 may be configured to enable the user to extract the water consumption report in a format such as, but not limited to, a Portable Document Format (PDF), a word document, an excel document, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the format for including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0054] FIG. 2B illustrates the login portal 206 of the water supply application 118, according to embodiments of the present invention. The login portal 206 comprises the user ID tab 208, the password tab 210, the login tab 212 and the new user tab 214, as discussed above.
[0055] FIG. 2C illustrates the registration menu 216 of the water supply application 118, according to embodiments of the present invention. The registration menu 216 comprises options such as, the mobile number tab 218, the enter OTP tab 220 and the submit tab 222, as discussed above.
[0056] FIG. 2D illustrates the resident menu 224 of the water supply application 118, according to embodiments of the present invention. The resident menu 224 comprises options such as, the required water tab 226, the address tab 228, the mobile number tab 230, the identification proof tab 232, the payment acknowledgment tab 234, the slider 236, the submit request tab 238, and the usage report tab 240, as discussed above.
[0057] FIG. 2E illustrates an administrator panel 242 of the water monitoring system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The administrator panel 242 comprises options such as, a details tab 244, an attribute tab 246, a latest telemetry tab 248, an alarm tab 250, an event tab 252, a relations tab 254, and a logs tab 256. The latest telemetry tab 248 if activated by the user may be configured to display options such as, a last update time 258, a key 260, and a value 262. The last update time represents a time and a date of data upload onto the cloud server 104 related to the water monitoring system 100. The key 260 may represent parameters related the data upload. The parameters may be, but not limited to, a latitude, a longitude, number of days, an output flow, and a quantity remaining, and so forth. Further, the value 262 may represent values corresponding to the parameters, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method 300 for water supply monitoring and control using the water monitoring system 100, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0059] At step 302, the water monitoring system 100 may enable the user to register into the water monitoring system 100 by using the water supply application 118.
[0060] At step 304, the water monitoring system 100 may enable the user to login into the water monitoring system 100 by entering a user ID and a password through the water supply application 118.
[0061] At step 306, the water monitoring system 100 may enable the user to generate a water supply request by entering request data through the water supply application 118 on the user device 106.
[0062] At step 308, the water monitoring system 100 may configure the sensor 124 to sense signals representing the flow of water into the water tank 120 of the house. Next, at step 310, the water monitoring system 100 may receive sensed signals from the sensor 124.
[0063] At step 312, the water monitoring system 100 may determine the amount of water pumped into the water tank 120 based on the received sensed signals.
[0064] At step 314, the water monitoring system 100 may compare the determined amount of water pumped into the water tank 120 with the requested amount of water selected by the user.
[0065] Further, at step 316, if the water monitoring system 100 determines that the determined amount of water pumped into the water tank 120 is equal to the requested amount of water, then the method 300 may proceed to a step 318, otherwise the method 300 may return to the step 310.
[0066] At the step 318, the water monitoring system 100 may restrict the flow of water into the water tank 120 using the valve 128.
[0067] At step 320, the water monitoring system 100 may receive sensed signals from the leakage detector 126.
[0068] At step 322, if the water monitoring system 100 determines that the leakage is detected based on the received sensed signals from the leakage detector 126, then the method 300 may proceed to a step 324, otherwise the method 300 may return to the step 320.
[0069] At the step 324, the water monitoring system 100 may generate the leak notification that may comprise the location of the leakage in the water tank 120 and the time of the leakage.
[0070] At step 326, the water monitoring system 100 may transmit the leak notification to the water monitoring platform 110 that may be configured to display the leak notification on the user device 106 through the water supply application 118.
[0071] Embodiments of the invention are described above with reference to block diagrams and schematic illustrations of methods and systems according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the diagrams and combinations of blocks in the diagrams can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto one or more general purpose computers, special purpose computers, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce machines, such that the instructions which execute on the computers or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the block or blocks. Such computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the function specified in the block or blocks.
[0072] 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 spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0073] 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 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.