US 11,493,371 B2 · Sensing events affecting liquid flow in a liquid distribution system

Abstract

By monitoring pressure transients in a liquid within a liquid distribution system using only a single sensor, events such as the opening and closing of valves at specific fixtures are readily detected. The sensor, which can readily be coupled to a faucet bib, transmits an output signal to a computing device. Each such event can be identified by the device based by comparing characteristic features of the pressure transient waveform with previously observed characteristic features for events in the system. These characteristic features, which can include the varying pressure, derivative, and real Cepstrum of the pressure transient waveform, can be used to select a specific fixture where a valve open or close event has occurred. Flow to each fixture and leaks in the system can also be determined from the pressure transient signal. A second sensor disposed at a point disparate from the first sensor provides further event information.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method comprising:

monitoring water pressure at one or more locations of a water distribution system of a building using one or more pressure sensors to produce one or more pressure signals, the building comprising two or more water appliances coupled to the water distribution system;
and
using the one or more pressure signals (1) to determine that a first water appliance of the two or more water appliances is consuming water, based on a template-based classifier matching first characteristics of the one or more pressure signals with the first water appliance and (2) to determine a first individual water usage amount for the first water appliance,
wherein:
the one or more pressure sensors are coupled to the water distribution system outside a first direct path of the water distribution system between (1) a water source of the water distribution system and (2) the first water appliance;
and
the template-based classifier uses similarity thresholds and a plurality of complementary distance metrics to filter potential templates.

4 more elements

A system comprising:

one or more pressure sensors configured to monitor water pressure at one or more locations of a water distribution system of a building to produce one or more pressure signals, the building comprising two or more water appliances coupled to the water distribution system;
and
a processing system configured to use the one or more pressure signals (1) to determine that a first water appliance of the two or more water appliances is consuming water, based on a template-based classifier matching first characteristics of the one or more pressure signals with the first water appliance and (2) to determine a first individual water usage amount for the first water appliance,
wherein:
the one or more pressure sensors are coupled to the water distribution system outside a first direct path of the water distribution system between (1) a water source of the water distribution system and (2) the first water appliance;
and
the template-based classifier uses similarity thresholds and a plurality of complementary distance metrics to filter potential templates.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Sensing events affecting liquid flow in a liquid distribution system

Life of this patent

Sensing events affecting liquid flow in a liquid distribution system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20