DESC:WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to water management systems and methods thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Water availability and distribution, water security and overall water management are some of the most important issues that is being discussed and researched globally. Specifically, shortage of water and proper regularization of water is one of the major issues and shortcoming to major economies, as a result of which there are several disputes between countries and within a country over the water availability. Some of the major reasons for this water problem across the globe are improper water distribution channels, improper billing channels, water wastages and water supply variation over a period of time. There are also several contributing factors for water availability and distribution, such as, water leakage due to bursting of water pipelines, unmonitored water wastage source and storage units, and the like.

[003] Existing water management systems are inefficient and for many years causing problems to the society for water availability and distribution. Such systems have not been able to solve the problem of equal and optimized water distribution. Such systems are dependent on the availability of water in individual pipe lines and supplied water by draining water out of the pipe lines as and when required. Requirements of settlements would drastically change based on the season causing significant problems.

[004] Another major drawback of the existing water systems is the inability to reduce the water wastages. The systems are focused only on filling the water storage tanks without addressing the water wastage due to water leaks from burst pipes or unmonitored taps. Some of the existing systems do not even consider the water wastage due to overflow of the water storage tanks.

[005] Also, there is an absence of any effective mode of commuting the health of the motor or the tanks that are the major reason for failure of the water management systems. Some existing systems use low grade water-electric contact based units for monitoring the water in the storage tanks. However, such units corrode over a period of time and may be harmful. Also such units do not provide for any efficient communication with the users of the settlement, thereby making them inefficient devices in a number of situations. Some include alarm systems or other equivalent sound mechanisms for communication to the user, but they prove to be quite inefficient in most situations.

[006] Further, existing systems do not provide with smart tools that can take feedback from users and government agencies for optimizing and implementing the most efficient water management for a particular area. The existing systems are simply focused on filling the tanks without considering the law, billing, availability and need of the human users.

[007] Accordingly, there exists a need for a water management system and method that provides for optimization and implementation of water availability, water distribution and overall water management in an efficient manner. Also, there exists a need for a water management system and method that communicates with the users of settlement, administrative body, and government authorities for collating and optimizing all information for implementing the most suitable and convenient water distribution and water management in an area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[008] In view of the foregoing shortcomings inherent in the in the prior-arts, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a water management system and method thereof that is configured to include all advantages of the prior art and to overcome the drawbacks inherent in the prior art offering some added advantages.

[009] The water management system of the present invention provides for an automated and intelligent control over the water setup in a settlement. This includes automatic control over the water pump, optimization of the pump operational time, efficient and faster filling of the water storage tank, substantial reduction in water wastage by monitoring overflow and water leaks, equal distribution of water within different settlements, and proper billing of the used water. Also, the objective of the water management system of the present invention is to strategize and implement water usage based on the weather changes and human behavior to reduce the problems of water shortage and/or water wastage in a settlement.

[0010] The water management system primarily comprises a water management unit installed in a water setup of a settlement. The water management unit comprises: a core module; a communication module; an enforcer module; and a smart module.

[0011] The water management system and method of the present invention also aims to convey and update the optimization and the efficiency parameter by communication with the users and by inter communication between the water management units via the GSM/CDMA/3G/2G and other wireless and wired modes. The invention also conveys alters, messages and important information to the users in case of prompting by the user or in-built feature to help implement a constant and error free system.

[0012] In one aspect, the present invention a water management system comprising a plurality of water management units. Each water management unit installed at a water setup in a settlement and capable of bi-directional communication over at least one of wired and wireless networks with: an electronic device of user of the settlement, and other water management units installed at other settlements, for sharing, optimizing and generating information for distribution and management of water.

[0013] In another aspect, the present invention provides a water management method implemented by the water management system described herein.

[0014] These together with other aspects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] While the specification concludes with claims that particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed that the advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description of expressly disclosed exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings and detailed description which follow are intended to be merely illustrative of the expressly disclosed exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. In the drawings:

[0016] FIG.1 depictsan overview of an environment in which various embodiments of the present invention of water management system may be practised.

[0017] FIG.2 is a representation of a water management unit of the water management system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG.3 is a representation of a core module of the water management unit, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 3A is a representation of the implementation of a primary and a secondary set of sensors of the core module, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG.4 is a representation of a communication module of the water management unit, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG.5 is a representation of an enforcer module of the water management unit, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG.6 is a representation of a smart module of the water management unit, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations and designs. It should be emphasized that the present invention is in not limited to a particular water management system and method, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions, substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but the present invention is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the description herein.

[0025] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced with obvious variations to these specific details.

[0026] As used herein, the term ‘plurality’ refers to the presence of more than one of the referenced item and the terms ‘a’, ‘an’, and ‘at least’ do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0027] The present invention provides a water management system and method thereof.The water management system of the present invention includes water management units that are electronic devices capable of being installed with existing water setup within a domestic or industrial settlement. Each water management unit is capable of bi-directional communication with other water management units and users of settlement, for sharing, optimizing and generating information, instructions, and processed data; hereinafter collectively referred to as “information”. As used herein, “water setup” refers to existing water pump(s), water storage tank(s) and water pipelines in a settlement. Also, as used herein, “settlement” refers interchangeably and collectively to a single household unit/industry unit or to a group of households/industries.

[0028] The objective of the water management system of the present invention is to have an automated and intelligent control over the water setup in a settlement. This includes automatic control over the water pump, optimization of the pump operational time, efficient and faster filling of the water storage tank, substantial reduction in water wastage by monitoring overflow and water leaks, equal distribution of water within different settlements, and proper billing of the used water. Also, the objective of the water management system of the present invention is to strategize and implement water usage based on the weather changes and human behavior to reduce the problems of water shortage and/or water wastage in a settlement.

[0029] The water management system of the present invention provides users with communication facilities with the users over wired or wireless networks to help implement safe water strategy, report the storage tank status, water pump motor status and overall efficiency of the water management system. Also, the invention assists users with predetermining the health and state of the motor and water tanks for safe and uninterrupted water availability and distribution, water security and overall water management.Accordingly, the water management system provides a two way communication system wherein users of the settlement can communicate with the water management units, and the water management units can communicate back with the users of the settlement.

[0030] The water management system of the present invention also provides for communication between the different water management units over wired or wireless networks. Such communication between the water management units is used for optimizing the water management strategy for a region. Specifically, one water management unit installed with a water setup of a settlement can communicate with other water management units installed with water setups of other settlements for sharing, optimizing and generating information for efficient distribution and management of water. Also, such feature of the invention is used for the internal update and regularization of the water management system.

[0031] Further, the water management system of the present invention provides feature of pre-paid extra water for giving certain settlement access to more water, provided they have paid for the extra water without disturbing or taking share from other settlements.

[0032] FIG. 1 depicts an overview of an environment 1000 in which various embodiments of the present disclosure may be practised. The environment 1000 includes sub-environments 1000a, 1000b and 1000c. Such sub-environments are herein explained with reference to sub-environment 1000a, and it to be understood that other sub-environments 1000b, 1000c are similar to the sub-environment 1000a. Also, it is understood herein that the environment 1000 can consist of more than three and many such sub-environments, and the illustration herein is only for explanation purposes. The sub-environment 1000a includes user or group of users collectively referred to as users 102. The environment 1000 further includes a water management unit 100 connected with a water setup 110 in a household/office/industrial settlement of the users 102.

[0033] The users 102 can use an electronic device to communicate with the water management unit 100 over wired networks, wireless networks or any combination thereof. The water management unit 100 talks with the user to communicate all the necessary information like alter, update and strategies to water management. It also takes permission from the user before bringing in a major water management strategy. The user is also able to request the device to numerous things like status of motor, tank, level of optimization, success of water management, pre-paid water scheme etc.

[0034] Examples of electronic devices of users include, but are not limited to,a cellphone, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, a smartphone, a portable media playback device, a handheld tablet, a net book personal computer, a laptop personal computer, a USB device based personal computer, a smart television, a monitor, a workstation, and a desktop personal computer.Examples of the wired networks may include the Ethernet, local area network (LAN), fiber-optic cable network and the like. Examples of wireless networks may include cellular networks like GSM/3G/4G/CDMA networks, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or Zigbee networks and the like. With the use of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, the users can communicate with the water management with improved communication and data transmission rate between the source and the host. Wi-Fi would also bring in advance feature like internet access, cloud based device update and multiple request timeout per device.

[0035] As shown, the users 102 can use an electronic device, such as, cellphone or a tablet or any cellular activity enabled device 104 to communicate with water management system 200 over a cellular network such as GSM/3G/4G/CDMA. The cellphone 104can be any one of genreration-1, classic, OS operated, or Smart phones. Additionally, the cellular activity enabled device 104 can communicate with the water management unit100 over Bluetooth and similar wireless technologies available in cellular activity enabled devices.

[0036] Also, as shown, the users 102 can use an electronic device, such as, a desktop or laptop 106 to communicate with the water management unit100 over a Wi-Fi or wired based communication. The water management unit 100 can also communicate with the laptop/desktop 106 using serial interface such as USB 1.0, USB 2.0, USB 3.0 and RS-232 jack. Such communication can be used for testing and debugging as well as to set a hard update if required by an administrator, otherwise this mode of communication cannot interact with other device using serial interface.Additionally, the laptop/desktop 106 can communicate with the water management unit 100 over Bluetooth and similar wireless technologies available in desktops/laptops.

[0037] In the environment 1000, the water management system further includes a central station 120. The central station 120 functions as a central administrative unit that has depository of all information and instructions for functioning of water management units, for sharing of attributes of water management units, and for overall water management. The central station 120 provides an administrator of the water management system to communicate all information and instructions to the water management units as per the water laws and regulations in an area. With the water laws and regulations in an area, the central station provides the administrator with the capability of communicating with water management units in the area for strategizing and optimizing water distribution and overall water management.

[0038] Also, as shown in environment 1000, the water management system of the present invention provides for a two way communication between government bodies, such as, government body 130 and regularization bodies such as regularization body 140 with the central unit 120. The central station 120 can communicate with the government body 130 and regularization body 140 to access and update the water management system of the water laws and regulations in an area. On the other hand, the government body 130 and the regularization body can access information from the central station 120 on the functioning of water management units and over water management in an area.

[0039] The central station 120 is in the form of a server having processing, storage and communication capabilities.The server may be one of a general purpose computing device, a cluster of servers, a blade server, a virtual machine environment, a mainframe, a cloud server, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing.

[0040] It will be apparent to a person skilled that the present invention is not limited by the data transmission speed and efficiency. In particular embodiments, the data transmission can be facilitated using a higher bandwidth network of Wi-Fi or 3G/4G. The water management units 100 are capable of transmitting data over a secured cloud server maintained by the administrator of the water management system. All other devices and bodies are able to access this data via the server. Such data transmission facilitates large amount of data transfer even from a single water management unit, hence increasing the communicational capabilities. Users 100 can also access this data via wired or wireless communication means.

[0041] In environment 1000 of FIG. 1, illustrated are additional water management units, similar to the water management unit 100 as described above. Such additional water management units are connected to existing water setups 110 in their respective settlements. The different water management units 100 can communicate with each other over wired networks, wireless networks or any combination thereof. Such communication results in a formation of a mesh network whereby the different water management units share data with each other to strategize and optimize water distribution and overall water management. Examples of the wired networks may include the Ethernet, local area network (LAN), fiber-optic cable network and the like. Examples of wireless networks may include cellular networks like GSM/3G/4G/CDMA networks, wireless LAN, Bluetooth or Zigbee networks, and the like.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is a representation of the water management unit 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the water management unit 100 comprises: a core module 300; a communication module 400 operatively coupled to the core module 300; an enforcer module 500 operatively coupled to the core module 300; and a smart module 600 operatively coupled to the core module 300. Each module and its functioning is described below.

[0043] Now, referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is the core module 300. The core module 300 computes the need of the user and the availability of the water in the line, the time water is readily available and with good flow in the supply lines and automatically adjust itself to the timings by controlling the pump and optimizing the operation time of the pump. Also, the core module 300 monitors the overflow tank activities and controls the internal pipe lines of water to reduce wastage due overflow and due water leaks. Further, the core module 300 is responsible for setting up alarms, update task automatically and do the major execution on the electronic and physical level. The core module 300 when instructed can shut of unmonitored water taps, water leaks and conserve water. As the core module is operatively coupled to all other modules, namely, the communication module 400, the enforcer module 500 and the smart module 600, the core module 300 takes data and command from other three modules and the users 102.

[0044] The core module 300 comprises a power and circuit unit 302, a primary processor 304, a core communication interface 306, an information decoder and request unit 308, and a primary set of sensors 310. In alternative embodiments, the core module further comprises a secondary set of sensors 312.

[0045] Power from the mains, such as the power supply 352 is directly supplied into the power and circuit unit 302. The power and circuit unit 302 is in the form of a group of transformers, SMPS circuit, capacitors, resistors, transistors, Mosfets, diodes and fuses that is meant to control the power coming in the water management unit 100 and convert it to appropriate level in both AC and DC mode for the operation of the electronics in the water management unit 100 and water pump(s) in the water setup. The power and circuit unit 302 also includes the power protection circuit and power breakout unit which protects the circuit and the product in case of power failures, abnormally high voltage, short circuits and voltage fluctuations. The water pump(s), such as water pump 354of a water setup is directly connected to the core module 300. Accordingly, the water pump 354 is switched ON/OFF by core module 300.

[0046] The primary processor 304 is in the form of a microcontroller to control the flow of the water and implement water distribution as per the information and instructions received from other modules, namely, the enforcer module 500 and the smart module 600, and the other components, namely, the power and circuit unit 302, the information decoder and request unit 308, the primary set of sensors 310, and the secondary set of sensors 312. The primary processor 304 also solves dispute between different modules of the water management unit 100 and makes the decision for controlling the pump. Further, the primary processor 304 manages the functioning of the primary set of sensors 310 and the secondary set of sensors 312 for implementation and control of the water manager. The processor 304 is also capable of communicating independently with the enforcer module 500 and the smart module 600, for sending data and taking instructions. In one embodiment, the primary processor 304 comprises an Atmega 328 AVR microcontroller. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the water pump 354 is attached to the primary microcontroller 304 and hence it is clear that the core module 300 is directly interacting with the water pump 354 and associated motor.

[0047] The core communication interface 306 is capable of communicating with the communication module 400 that in turn is capable of communication with the users 102, other water management units 100 and the central station 120. Specifically, the core communication interface is capable of sending all information about the functioning of the core module 300 and other modules to the communication module and receiving all information and instructions from the communication module 400.

[0048] The information decoder and request unit 308 is in operative coupling with the core communication interface 306, the primary processor 304, the enforce module 500 and the smart module 600. The information decoder and request unit 308 fetches the information and instructions from communication module 400 via the core communication interface 306, decodes and converts information and instructions to appropriate format and forwards the data to the appropriate module or other components of the core module 300.

[0049] The primary set of sensors 310 is capable of implementing and regularizing the functioning of the water management unit 100. Specifically, the primary set of sensors 310 are used for two fold purposes: first for measurement of the flow and amount of water that has been used or stored by a settlement; and secondly the implementation portion that regulates water in pipe lines. The primary set of sensors 310 focus on implementing the essential water management strategy for efficient distribution and saving of water.

[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, in one embodiment the primary set of sensors 310 includes a magnetic field sensor 310a, an ultrasonic depth sensor 310b, a primary flow sensor 310c, and a DC solenoid and flow control sensor 310d. The magnetic field sensor 310a is capable of motor health measurement in terms of measuring the mechanical rotations and creating and measuring equivalent magnetic field. By such measurement, the magnetic field sensor 310a estimates the rpm of the motor that is being used to pump the water from the supply line.This would help compare the rpm of brand new motor and wear out motor hence predicating the motor performance rate and the health of the motor. This also proves to be a test for proper function of the implementation module in switching ON/OFF the motor.

[0051] The ultrasonic depth sensor 310b is capable of measuring tank status and the amount of water stored in the tank using the principle of ultrasonic sound and sound echo to determine the depth of water in the storage tank. This helps in predicting the amount of water reservoir in the tank and also computes the water usage pattern by humans and monitor internal leakages or water wastage. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic depth sensor 310b has a range of up to 4m and precision of 3cm can monitor any commercially available tank for the water supply.

[0052] The primary flow sensor 310c with HALL sensor capabilities has been installed to measure the flow of the incoming water from the water supply line, based on the magnetic field and induction principle. The primary flow sensor 310c generates a field equivalent to the amount of water flow rate in the supply pipe line or other internal pipes where the sensor is located. Hence, computing the flow and the duration of the flow, the primary flow sensor 310c integrates the result to find out the amount of water that has flown through a particular pipe section. This sensor help estimate the internal and un-monitored water leaks or overflows as well as primarily helps in billing of the water that has flown inside a settlement. There can be such multiple HALL sensors in a water management unit 100 for measuring the flow in different important pipe sections.

[0053] The DC solenoid and flow control sensor 310dis used for controlling the water flow in the pipe lines. Such a feature provides for protection for overflow of water, water leakages and unmonitored water flows. The DC solenoid and flow control sensor 310d belongs to the implantation class of the sensor that shut on or off the water flow in a pipe line section. It basically is responsible for shutting off the overflowing water, reduce water wastage and water leak.

[0054] As mentioned above, the core module 300 can additionally comprise the secondary set of sensors 312. The secondary set of sensors provide for better data acquisition and better communication. In one embodiment, the second set of sensors 312 includes a GPS sensor, a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth sensor, a multiple flow sensor, a multiple DC solenoid sensor and a reed level sensor. The present invention is not limited to the secondary set of sensors mentioned in the embodiment, and the water management system can employ additional such similar sensors for further increasing the communication, optimization, regularization and implementation requirements. Also, the water management unit 100 installed in a particular settlement does not require to have all the secondary sensors. Users 102 would have a choice of upgrading their water management unit after the standards and regulations for that particular area have been met.

[0055] The GPS sensor functions to provide for correct position location that can be required for optimization purpose by the water management system. The Wi-Fi/Bluetooth sensor would enhance the communication capabilities of the invention hence making the water management units capable of interacting with a variety of electronic devices.

[0056] The multiple DC solenoid sensor is preferable placed at a secondary pipe section and function as electronic tap for switching ON/OFF the water supply in an internal pipeline of a settlement. Also, the multiple flow sensor is placed at a less important pipe section for not only detecting leaks but also pin pointing the area of the leakage of the water. The reed level sensor is focused on determining the quality of the water flowing the supply and hence determining the water health and quality status, which can be used by the user to identify the needs of water purification systems.

[0057] The communication module 400 has all the electronics that is required for communication with electronic device of the users 102, other water management units 100, and the central station 120 over wired or wireless networks. The communication module 400 is responsible for communicating all the information to the user, like alerts, fault, status and system updating parameters. This communication module 400 functions like an independent unit, while taking commands from the authorized agents and decoding this message and update the other modules as requested.

[0058] Now, referring to FIG. 4, illustrated is an exemplary embodiment of the communication module 400 in which the communication module is a GSM/GPRS based communication module. This module is a generic GSM/GPRS module that is able to communicate with different users over a cellular interface. Given 2G/3G/4G capabilities the communication module 400 can also access the internet facilities using the above mentioned technologies. This communication module 400 is the heart of the communication of the entire invention and any transmission or reception of data or information happens through this module on request of the other components of the system. The communication module 400 requires a valid and active SIM card of a valid service provider. In one embodiment, the communication module 400 uses SIM based integration via the communication method of messaging “SMS” that is the common interface of communication between different agents and users. The communication module 400 can take commands and send data using the SMS interface that is generally present in cellular enabled devices. The communication module 400 solely receives or sends SMS, and no relevance to data is matched herein. The communication module 400 simply works as a transducer and forwards all the data to core communication interface 306 of core module 300 where the data is further send to appropriate modules.Further communication capabilities can be extended by including WI-FI and Bluetooth capabilities.

[0059] In this exemplary embodiment, the communication module 400 comprises: a central communication unit 402; a SIM card unit404 operatively coupled to the central communication unit 402; a service antenna 406 operatively coupled to central communication unit and required to create a cellular connectivity between two hosts for sending and receiving signals; and a message decoder and converter unit 408 operatively coupled to the core communication interface 306. The SIM card unit 404 comprises a valid SIM card of a valid service provide and all the interfacing electronics for proper functioning of the Sim card and its communication with the other units.

[0060] The central communication unit 402 of the communication module 400 has the primary electronics for communication of the water management unit 100 with user devices and the central station 120and with the central communication units of the communication modules of the other water management units 100. In one embodiment, the central GSM/GPRS unit includes a SIM900-A dual band frequency processor for initiating the GSM access. The interfacing electronics converts the commands for the primary processor 304 of core module 300 to serial TTL logic and the reverse is done for decoding the message.

[0061] The message decoder and converter unit 408includesdecoders that decode the message on the first look that is classify the message and the respective module it needs to be sent. This includes some message decoder that decodes the message specific for a particular module. The message decoder and converter unit 408 also comprises of one or more encoders/converters that convert the incoming message from different modules into message ready and transmitted format. The work of the decoders are to convert the incoming/outgoing message to appropriate formats so that data can be transmitted to responsible modules for proper decoding of the message and making sense out of. The primary ways of message decoding includes hexadecimal formats, English formats and hexadecimal, decimal and English formats.

[0062] Now, referring to FIG. 5, illustrated is the enforcer module 500. The enforcer module 500 is also referred herein as the commanding unit or command module. The enforcer module implements the law and regulation based constraints on each water management unit and monitors and logs the supply, demand and the wastage. Theenforcer module 500 is responsible for managing all the important legal and administrative information. The primary work of the enforcer module 500 is to store the bills that amount of water used and respective bills, alerts, updates and data consumption of water, water rationing and water distribution.

[0063] The enforcer module 500 will implement the maximum water supply per person in a settlement. Also, the enforcer module 500 will check on amount of water in real time that is entering the settlement and simultaneous bill the water usage as well as log this data for future reference. Further, the enforcer module 500 will shut down the incoming water supply if the amount of the water that has flown equals the regularized limit. The enforcer module 500 also facilities the function of a future concept of pre-paid water. For example, if a pre-paid recharge for a particular amount of water is bought (after the regularized limit), then enforcer module 500 modules facilitates and implements this behavior. All the log of essential data like user details, optimization standards, clock, bills, supply and demand information, and like is done by the enforcer module 500. The enforcer module is built to enforce any water regulation installed by the government in the state or sector, in the future over water consumption per any industrially or domestic unit.

[0064] The enforcer module 500 is also the module that is responsible for the logging of important data and maintains it. The enforcer module 500 is directly linked to the core module 300 via electronics connection while is indirectly connected to communication module 400 using the core communication interface 306 of the core module 300.

[0065] The enforcer module 500 comprises a secondary processor 502, a memory and interface unit 504, a real time clock and battery backup unit 506, a weather station unit 508, and a secondary communication interface 510.

[0066] The secondary processor 502 is the brain behind the logging of data while maintain the data and enforcing the laws and regularization parameters. The secondary processor 502 of the enforcer module 500 communicates directly with the primary processor 304 of the core module 300.

[0067] The memory and interface unit 504 is operable coupled to the secondary processor 502. In one embodiment, the memory and interface unit comprises a memory card such as an SD card. The SD card stores encrypted files. The encryption on the SD card can only be read by the secondary processor 502. The secondary processor 502 is responsible for updating these file stored in the SD card as instructed by the administrator through the central station 120. All such data is stored encrypted in a memory card. The secondary processor 502 decodes the message in the files and gives the implementation instruction to the primary processor 304 in the core module 300.

[0068] For security purposes, the administrator can decide to bound the SD card by hardware and the SD card cannot be removed or extracted as it would harm the PCB. In this way no one can access or extract the memory card from the water management unit other than the administrator who can employ a special technique for opening and installing of the memory card. Such a memory card also help in determining and reporting to the central station 120 weather a tampering has been done with the water management unit 100. The administrator can shut off the tampered water management unit 100 from the central station 120. Thereafter, appropriate legal actions may be taken against the offenders.

[0069] All the data like user info, bills, the timing cycles, user data, passwords and other regularizing and enforcing parameter data are stored in the SD card. The information of the user can only be updated by the user(s) of the settlement via SMS or other communication formats. All the data regarding billing, water usage, user data, intricate and hidden data and optimization parameter can only be accessed by the administrator at the central station 120.

[0070] The real time clock and battery backup unit maintains the data, time and clock upto 20 years without fail with a small battery backup.

[0071] The weather station unit 508 includes a temperature sensor, a local humidity sensor and moisture sensor forms the weather station. The weather station unit 508 generates the local weather for a unit just log data to the SD card that will be used by different modules for their computation.

[0072] The secondary communication interface 510 has direct connectivity to the optional WI-FI and Bluetooth module for faster data access from net and other agents like cellular phones for higher data generation. The secondary communication interface 510 also has permanent serial ports for serial wired communication, which is primarily used for testing and debugging of the entire invention. The module 510 provides extension features that may help to upgrade the product in future as required

[0073] Now, referring to FIG. 6, illustrated is the smart module 600. The smart module 600 is the intelligent human and weather behavior model that forms the crux of the intelligent behavior and intelligent regularization of the entire invention. The smart module 600 takes in the data from all the other modules, like user details, water supply line, internal line details and activity, weather data through GPRS via SIM module, and the like. Also this module has local sensors like temp sensor, humidity and wind speed along with update sensor for updating the number of human users in the house. All these parameters are used to draft and implement a strategy for optimized water management and help user use water more judiciously. This also indicates the user if poor water strength is seen as a trend in the supply line. More in more it adjust the water using strategy according to season and number of human users. This module communicates with all the other modules

[0074] The smart module 600 is primarily a software component that is being constantly run by the secondary microcontroller 502 of the enforcer module 500. The working of the 600 module is independent irrespective of the common hardware and hence it needs to specify as a separate module. The intelligence is mainly achieved partly by the processing done in the secondary microcontroller 502 and partly by the administrative server that forwards meta-processed result which when combined with the local data in a unit generates the entire intelligent layout. Additionally, for very high end requirements, the smart module 600 can incorporate or can be boarded on a high end processor like a micro-processor or a single board computer like raspberry pi, provide the needs of high end processing is required.

[0075] The smart module 600 comprises: a memory access and interface unit 602 operatively coupled to the secondary microcontroller 502 of the enforcer module 500; a smart unit 604 operatively coupled to the memory access and interface unit 602; a human behaviour and weather unit 606 operatively coupled to the smart unit 604; and a smart message decoder and converter unit 608 operatively coupled to the smart unit 604 and with the core module 300 and the enforcer module 500.

[0076] Firstly a decoded message from communication module 400 via core module 300 is received or a message form enforcer module 500 is received at the smart message decoder and converter unit 608, which decrypts the meta-processed message coming from central station 120. Thereafter, the memory access and interface unit 602, accesses the data in the file from the SD card in memory and interface unit 504 to get the optimization parameters stored. The human behaviour and weather unit 606 that have self learning standards already stored in it are forwarded to the smart unit 604. The smart unit 604 has an intelligent controller that processes all the data over a period of time (optimal time), and design a water management strategy for the water management unit 100. This strategy is send to the smart message decoder and converter unit which converts the strategy to set of instructions which are send to module-A (300) for implementation and reminder to the user is send from the core module 300 via the communication module 400. The human behaviour model defines the human activities in regards of using the water while the weather determination unit predicts the water availability with respect to the local and state weather. This smart module 600 is the main core for implementing intelligence in the invention that leads to the supreme control over the water manager in relation to the prior arts and existing solutions.

[0077] While implementing the present invention in an area and the settlements therein, users 100 or administrative authority of a settlement or group of settlements purchase the water management unit 100. The water management unit is then installed in the existing water setup of a settlement. Upon installation and activation, a message is passed from the communication module 400 of the water management unit 100 to the electronic device of the users 100 or the area administrator who have purchased the product. Such electronic device of the users can be registered with a particular water management unit while activating that particular water management unit. The message asks the user to give in certain details like the number of permanent residents in house, addition of administration that is people of the house to who’s cell number can be given access to the water system. It also ask to personal details like number of adult and kids present in the house, the amount a max water the storage tanks can store. All such information is required for optimization initialization and variable building process.

[0078] Also, the water management unit asks the user for the timing, as to when he/she would have started the pumping of water from the supply. For example, the user can choose from a morning or an evening time slot. After all this process and information the pump initializes itself and is ready to function as a standalone unit until an interrupt is encountered. The pump based on the time specified by the user optimises itself on the water timing and is able to correct automatically.

[0079] After initialization the water management unit talks to the central station 120 for getting the number of the neighbour water management units unit for better optimizing in a region. All this process happens simultaneously with monitoring the sensor for tank water height, motor health rate, pipe line leakages, over flow and unused waste water, and similar functions. All such functions act as parameters to optimize and implement a successful water management system. All these functions are processed by the primary processor 304 while the secondary processor 502 maintains the billing, intelligent info like optimization parameters, user information and the rules and legislation of the entire product.

[0080] In case of any failure the water management unit generates an error and alter message and sends it to the user with appropriate troubleshooting technique. The user can also request the product for general information like water status, motor health, optimization efficiency, intelligent strategy, bill amount of water user after the last bill and other similar requests. The user can also update information like more users in the house example in case of party, or pre-paid water service, or adding or deleting users.

[0081] As mentioned above, the water management unit also comes with some local sensors like temperature and humidity that help determine the local temperature and hence determine the water supply behaviour during a particular season or weather days. Along with other sensor like water flow, amount of water user and data log the system predicts the human behaviour on water consumption. It then strategies and implement the use of water in present and future based on the above constrains. This strategy in simple language is shared to the user via SMS, example, “Water Supply level is low, use water carefully during late morning and noon”. All the internal function and background details are kept hidden from the user. The whole process also take care that minimum water is wasted and water is shared equally among the people in different settlements.

[0082] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a water management method implemented by the water management system of the present invention described herein.

[0083] Although a particular exemplary embodiment of the invention has been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized to those skilled in the art that variations or modifications of the disclosed invention, including the rearrangement in the configurations of the parts, changes in sizes and dimensions, variances in terms of shape may be possible. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0084] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions, substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.
,CLAIMS:CLAIMS

We claim

1. A water management system, comprising:
a plurality of water management units, each water management unit installed at a water setup in a settlement and capable of bi-directional communication over at least one of wired and wireless networks with
an electronic device of user of the settlement, and
other water management units installed at other settlements,
for sharing, optimizing and generating information for distribution and management of water.
2. The water management system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device of the user is a cellular activity enabled device selected from a group consisting of: a cellphone, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, a smartphone, a portable media playback device, a handheld tablet, a net book personal computer, a laptop personal computer, a USB device based personal computer, a smart television, a monitor, a workstation, and a desktop personal computer.
3. The water management system of claim 1, further comprising a central station in bidirectional communication with the plurality of water management units, the central station capable of administering and exchanging information with the water management units as per the laws and regulations in an area.

4. The water management system of claim 1, wherein each water management unit comprises
a core module comprising a power and circuit unit, a primary processor, a core communication interface, an information decoder and request unit, a primary set of sensors, and a secondary set of sensors;
a communication module operatively coupled to the core module, the communication module comprising a central communication unit, a SIM card unit operatively coupled to the central communication unit, and a service antenna operatively coupled to the central communication unit;
an enforcer module operatively coupled to the core module, the enforcer module comprising a secondary processor, a memory and interface unit, a real time clock and battery backup unit, a weather station unit, and a secondary communication interface; and
a smart module operatively coupled to the core module, the smart module comprising a memory access and interface unit coupled to the secondary processor of the enforcer module, a smart unit operatively coupled to the memory access and interface unit, a human behaviour and weather unit operatively coupled to the smart unit, and a smart message decoder unit operatively coupled to the smart unit, the core module and the enforcer module;
wherein the primary processor is capable of
controlling the flow of water and implement the water distribution as per the information received from the communication module, the enforcer module, and the smart module, and
managing the functioning of the primary set of sensors and the secondary set of sensors, and
whereinthe core communication interface is capable of communicating with the communication module for sending the information about the functioning of the core module, the enforcer module, and the smart module and receiving information from the communication module, and
wherein the central communication unit of the communication module is capable of communicating with electronic device of users and communication module of other water management units, and
wherein the secondary processor of the enforcer module is in operative coupling with the primary processor and other components for maintaining and processing the information on laws and regulations in the area, and
wherein the weather station unit comprises a temperature sensor, a local humidity sensor, and a moisture sensor for generating the local weather.

5. The water management system of claim 4, wherein the primary set of sensors comprises
a magnetic field sensor capable of measuring motor health,
an ultrasonic depth sensor capable of measuring tank status and amount of water stored in the tank,
a primary flow sensor capable of measuring the flow of incoming water from a water supply line, and
a DC solenoid and flow control sensor capable of controlling the water flow in pipe lines.
6. The water management system of claim 4, wherein the secondary set of sensors comprises
a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth sensor,
a multiple flow sensor,
a multiple DC solenoid sensor, and
a reed level sensor.
7. Thewater management system of claim 4, wherein the information decoder and request unit is in operative coupling with the core communication interface, the primary processor, the enforcer module and the smart module, and wherein the information decoder and request unit is capable of
obtaining information from the communication module via the core communication interface, and
decoding and converting information to format and forwarding the decoded and converted information to at least one of the other components of the core module and the other modules.
8. A water management method implemented by the water management system of claims 1-7.