WO2002015078A1

WO2002015078A1 - Utility meter reading system

Info

Publication number: WO2002015078A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/022822
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Addink; Kirk Buhler; Tony Givargis
Original assignee: John Addink; Kirk Buhler; Tony Givargis
Priority date: 2000-08-17
Filing date: 2000-08-17
Publication date: 2002-02-21

Abstract

A utility meter reading system comprises a utility meter (100), an irrigation controller (200), and a data link (101) between the utility meter and the irrigation controller (200). The data link is preferably a hard wired link, but may be a wireless link. Data transferred across the data link is preferably raw or processed daa that is indicative of utility usage. A microprocessor is preferably disposed in the irrigation contoller (200), and is programmed to receive the data, process the data, and provide the information to consumer (120) and/or third party (130) regarding utility usage by the consumer. The microprocessor may also be programmed to detect utility flow anomalies, and to generate a warning and/or shut down a usage when a flow anomaly is detected.

Description

UTILITY METER READING SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The field of the invention is utility meter reading systems.

Background of the Invention

There are numerous types of utility meters, deployed at commercial and residential properties, and there are many methods for obtaining usage data from such meters. Among the most popular methods are visual displays and automatic meter reading systems. With most of the recently installed utility meters, the automatic meter reading system is an integral part of the meter. Even utility meters that were not originally designed with any sort of automatic meter reading system are currently being retrofitted with such systems.

A primary reason for installing a utility meter is to measure the quantity of water, gas, and electricity used by the consumer so that the supplier can bill the consumer for the usage. Additionally, utility meter measurements are being used for other purposes, such as analyzing water use patterns in residences as discussed in the following publications: DeOreo, W.B., J.P. Heaney, and P.W. Mayer. 1996a. Flow Trace Analysis to Assess Water Use. Jour.

AWWA, 88 (l):79-90, Dziegielewski, B., E.M. Opitz, J.C. Kiefer, D.D. Baumann, M. Winer, W. Illingworth, W.O. Maddaus, P. Macy, J.J. Boland, T. Chestnutt, and J.O. Nelson. 1993b. Evaluating Urban Water Conservation Programs: A Procedure 's Manual. Denver, Colo.: AWWA, and Mayer, P.W. and W.B. DeOreo. 1995. Process Approach for Measuring Residential Water Use and Assessing Conservation Effectiveness. Proc. Of 1995 Annual Conference. Anaheim, Calif: AWWA.

Another reason for obtaining utility usage measurements from utility meters is to assist industries that trade utility commodities to acquire information on utility usage over a wide geographical area. Concepts along those lines are discussed in U.S. Patent No. 5,897,607 issued April, 1999 to Jenney, et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In a potentially related use, it is known to install water flow meters to detect water leaks and other anomalies. Such use is discussed in U.S. Patent No. 5,038,268 issued August, 1991 to Krause, et al., U.S. Patent No. ^'5,721,383 issued February, 1998 to Franklin, et al., and U.S. Patent No. 5,971,011 issued October, 1999 to Price.

Surprisingly, no one seems to have recognized that many households and commercial establishments have irrigation controllers in relatively close proximity to their utility meters, and that microprocessors and displays in such controllers can be adapted to interact with the utility meters to provide feedback on utility usage, flow and other anomalies, and to obtain usage information for billing and other purposes. Thus, there is still a need for such systems and methods.

Summary of the Invention The following invention provides systems and methods in which an irrigation controller beneficially cooperates with a utility meter via a data link. Such systems and methods can be used for numerous purposes, including providing feedback on utility usage, flow and other anomalies, and obtaining usage information for billing and other purposes. Although many of the specific embodiments discussed herein relate to water usage, the systems and methods are also applicable to other types of utilities, including electricity, and gas. The systems and methods are applicable to all types of properties, including residential and commercial properties (including both agricultural and non-agricultural).

The data link between the utility meter and the irrigation controller can carry any sort of data, including raw data. The data link is preferably hard wired, although it is contemplated that the link could be any sort of wireless connection, including for example, optical, radio, hydraulic, or ultrasonic.

Irrigation controllers according to the inventive subject matter preferably include a microprocessor that is programmed to process the data received by the irrigation controller, and display such information in a format that is beneficial to both the utility consumers and/or third parties, hi a preferred embodiment the information provided includes some or all the following: total utility used during a specified time period; utility used for various purposes; and utility flow anomalies. Such information can advantageously be presented in real time. Warnings (alerts) can also be provided to consumers and third parties when the microprocessor detects utility flow anomalies. In' a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, detection of the flo 'anomaly may trigger shut off of flow to an affected application.

Where the meter being monitored is a water meter, the microprocessor can advantageously be programmed to determine the quantity of irrigation water applied by each irrigation station independent of the total water used at the property. Application rate can also be determined, and compared with evapotranspiration (ETo) data or other information to improve irrigation efficiency. Multiple meters can also be monitored, and in the case of water meters, systems and methods are provided for monitoring both water flow and water pressure.

Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a block diagram of relationships among a water meter, an irrigation controller, a consumer, a third party, and an irrigation system.

Figure 2 is a schematic of an irrigation controller.

Figure 3 is a block diagram of an irrigation system with two irrigation stations shown.

Figure 4 is a block diagram of what occurs when a water flow anomaly is detected by the microprocessor during the operation of the irrigation system according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 generally includes a utility meter 100, an irrigation controller 200, a consumer 120, a third party 130, and an irrigation system 140. There are also several data links 101, 111, 112, and 113.

The utility meter 100 is contemplated to include any one of a water, gas, or electricity meter, as well as combinations of same. Utility meters are usually installed at or near a residential or commercial building, or merely oh an undeveloped property when no buildings have yet been constructed. All or part of the utility meter 100 is usually owned by the respective utility.

Irrigation controller 200 can be any suitable device that operates one or more water use devices (not shown) according to a schedule. Such water use devices may be part of the irrigation system 140, with sprinklers and their associated valves among the most common such devices. It is, however, also contemplated to utilize a swimming pool pump or a fountain as water use devices that are not part of irrigation system 140. Irrigation controller 200 is preferably, but not necessarily, controlled by an on-board microprocessor. In some contemplated embodiments the microprocessor may be incoφorated into an add-on device that cooperates with the irrigation controller 200 to operate the irrigation system 140. In alternative embodiments, the microprocessor's functions may be spread out among multiple processors, which need not be physically located at the property. For example, some or all of the functions attributed to the microprocessor herein maybe accomplished distally (i.e., greater than 10 kilometers away from the property), and communicated to the irrigation controller 200 via modem, cable, telephone, pager, radio, or other communications system. A preferred embodiment of irrigation controller 200 is described in greater detail below with respect to Figure 2.

Consumer 120 is a human being that uses the utility locally, or is responsible for local monitoring or controlling usage of the utility at the property. For a residential property, the consumer is usually the homeowner or a renter, i a commercial setting, the consumer is usually an employee of the property owner, manager, leasor, or renter. Formal title of consumers is not important, as the consumer at a commercial property may be referred to as an engineer, building supervisor, farm hand, etc.

Third party 130 is a legal person other than the consumer that has an interest in utility usage by the consumer 120. A third party need not be a physical person, and may well be a water district or other government agency, or an individual or company involved in the care or management of the property, but not locally situated at the property.

Irrigation system 140 is a collection of control and watering devices that cooperate to dispense irrigation water to at least a portion of the relevant property. Typical watering devices are sprinkler heads, drippers, sprayers, misters, and so forth, that are usually sufficient in number, and located sufficiently away from each other to provide adequate watering to a landscape. All manner of landscapes are contemplated, including one or more of a lawn, hedge, garden, orchard, crop field, golf course, and so forth. Irrigation system 140 may have anywhere from one to over a hundred watering devices, which for control purposes are usually divided into multiple zones. Six, eight, twelve, and twenty-four zones are the most common, although all other reasonable arrangements are also contemplated.

The various data links 101, 111, 112, 113, and 121 are contemplated to be any suitable types of links, including electronic, optical, mechanical, and so forth. Data links do not include links that require human intervention as an intermediary between two electronic devices, such as those that would require a human to read data displayed on a gauge or other display on one device, and then type the data into a keyboard for another device. Any or all of data links 101, 111, 112, 113, and 121 can be bi-directional.

Data link 101 transfers data between the utility meter 100 and the irrigation controller 200. The data transferred can be any combination of raw and processed data. "Raw data" is defined herein to mean pulse or other data outputted by the meter, and otherwise unprocessed except for formatting changes such as conversion from analog to digital, inclusion of appropriate signals to conform to parallel or serial transmission standards, and so forth. Raw data is preferably closely indicative of utility usage, and may, for example, include digital, analog, pulse, or binary data taken directly from the meter 100. Processed data is data other than raw data, and may include, for example, encrypted, daily, weekly, or monthly averages calculated from the raw data. Although data link 101 can be bi-directional, it is most likely only uni-directional in the direction of the irrigation controller 200. Data carried by data link 101 from the utility meter 100 to the irrigation controller 200 can be obtained from any • suitable sending device, including, for example, one or more transducers at meter 100, from automatic meter reader output ports¹ as an integral part of the meter, or from utility meters that are retrofitted with transducers or automatic meter readers. A preferred data link 101 comprises a hard wired connection, however, it is contemplated that data link 101 may comprise any suitable wireless link, such as optical, radio, hydraulic or ultrasonic.

Data link 111 between the irrigation controller 200 and a consumer 120 is preferably bi-directional, with the consumer 120 entering data into the controller 200 using a keypad or keyboard (not shown), or perhaps a microphone (not shown). However, it is also contemplated that the consumer 120 can enter data into the irrigation controller 200 using a personal computer (not shown) or other device located in a residence, office or any other interior location (not shown) at the property. Data contemplated to be transmitted by data link 111 in the direction of the controller 200 most likely involves manual inputs by the consumer 120 to set or modify an irrigation schedule, or provide information used by the controller to set or modify an irrigation schedule. The controller 200 typically provides data to the consumer 120 across data link 111 using a liquid crystal display (see numeral 250, Figure 2), sound producing speaker (not shown), etc. Such data may advantageously include any suitable usage information, including, for example, any or all of the following: quantity of the utility used during a specific time period; quantity of the utility used for certain purposes, such as irrigation; and utility flow anomalies.

It is especially advantageous if at least some of the usage information provided to the consumer 120 is real time utility usage information. As used herein, the term "real time" means that the data is current to within one hour, more preferably within ten minutes, and still more preferably within one minute.

Data link 112 may carry information to and from one or more third parties 130, with the nature of the link, and the data being carried depending upon the nature of the third partyl30. Thus, some third parties 130 may communicate via a telephone system, radio system, Internet, or a pager system. Data carried by data link 112 may be similar to that transmitted between the controller 200 and to the consumer 120, and may include, for example, any or all of the following information: quantity of the utility used during a specific time period; quantity of the utility used for certain purposes, such as irrigation; and utility flow anomalies. Data passing along data link 112 may therefore include commands for ^• controlling operation of the irrigation system 140. The data may also include information on water conservation, water restrictions imposed by a utility or water district, and so forth.

Data link 113 is preferably via a hard wired connection but may be via a wireless connection, such as optical, radio, hydraulic or ultrasonic. Data link 113 primarily involves operation of the irrigation system 140, including start times of each station, run times of each station, master valve operation and control of other coupled controllers and systems (not shown). Data link 121 is preferably via Internet or telephone. In a preferred embodiment a water district third party 130 maintains a web site (not shown) on the World Wide Web, and the consumer 120 engages the web site using a computer, telephone, personal digital assistant, or other communication device. The web site provides suggestions for improving efficiency of water usage, as well as a listing of current rales and regulations, a feedback or chat room, and so forth. The web site may also provide links to purchase advanced irrigation controllers such as controller 200.

Figure 2 is a schematic of an irrigation controller 200 according to the present invention that generally includes a microprocessor 220, an on-board memory 210, some manual input devices 230 through 232 (buttons and/or knobs), an input/output (I/O) circuitry 221 connected in a conventional manner, a display screen 250, a communications port 240, a serial, parallel or other communications connection 241 coupling the irrigation controller to one or more utility meter(s), electrical connectors 260 which are connected to a plurality of irrigation stations 270 and a power supply 280, a rain detection device 291, a flow sensor 292, a pressure sensor 293 and a temperature sensor 294. Each of these components by itself is well known in the electronic industry, with the exception of the programming of the microprocessor in accordance with the functionality set forth herein. There are hundreds of suitable chips that can be used for this purpose. At present, experimental versions have been made using a generic Intel 80C54 chip, and it is contemplated that such a chip would be satisfactory for production models.

In a preferred embodiment the irrigation controller 200 has one or more common communication internal bus(es). Such bus(es) can use a common or custom protocol to communicate between devices. There are several suitable commumcation protocols that can be used for this purpose. At present, experimental versions have been made using an I²C - serial data communication, and it is contemplated that this communication method would be satisfactory for production models. This bus is used for internal data transfer to and from the EEPROM memory, and is used for communication with personal computers, peripheral devices, and measurement equipment including but not limited to utility meters, water pressure sensors, and temperature sensors.

In Figure 3 a single irrigation controller 200 communicates with a utility meter 100, as well as a solenoid 282 and a master valve 331 to operate two irrigation stations 400. It will be understood that these stations 400 are indicative of any two or more irrigation stations, and are not to be interpreted as limiting the number or configuration of stations. Structure and operation of the irrigation controller 200 is preferably as described elsewhere herein. Among other things, the irrigation controller 200 operates solenoid 281, which opens the station valve 330 to allow irrigation water to be distributed to the various irrigation stations 400 and thereby irrigate the landscape through irrigation sprinkler heads 340A-340C. As with other elements herein, master valve is optional. In a preferred embodiment, master valve 331 opens at approximately the same time as station valve 330, and the master valve 331 remains open as long as any of the station valve(s) 330 remain open.

While the water flow is occurring, water flow data is preferably transmitted in real time from the water meter 100 to the irrigation controller 200 via data link 101 (see Figure 1). The water flow data may be displayed by the irrigation controller 200 to assist the consumer 120 in improving water efficiency in the irrigation of the landscape. In one or all of these steps, the consumer 120 may be aided by the irrigation controller 200, by a hand-held calculator (which may or may not be electronic), or some other computer. In one step the consumer 120 determines, or at least estimates, the total area that is being irrigated. In another step the consumer 120 obtains data from the water meter 100 via the irrigation controller 200 regarding the number of gallons of water that is used by the irrigation system during an irrigation cycle, or other period. From that information the consumer 120 can determine the number of inches of water that is being applied to the landscape based upon the present irrigation control settings. Following is a preferred formula for determining the inches of water being applied by a current setting of the irrigation controller 200.

A/B = .6242X

A = quantity of water applied during a complete irrigation cycle measured in gallons

B = total area irrigated measured in square feet

0.6242 is a constant calibration factor

X is the unknown water application rate in inches per a given period of time For example, if the landscaped area irrigated is 5000 square feet and the gallons of water measured by the flow meter during a complete irrigation cycle is 750 gallons, then X would equal 0.24 inches for the complete irrigation cycle.

750/5000= 6242X or 0.15=.6242X or X=0.15/.6242 therefore X=0.24 inches for the complete irrigation cycle.

In other steps, the consumer 120 compares the application rate to the water required to maintain the landscape plants in a healthy condition, and alters the watering schedule accordingly. Required water can advantageously be determined as a function of evapotranspiration rate, ETo. In the example discussed above ETo equals approximately 0.175 inches each day during the month of September in Merced, California, based on historic data. Therefore, if the consumer 120 had determined that the irrigation system was applying 0.24 inches per day, then the consumer 120 should reduce the irrigation run times so that 0.175 inches are applied each day.

It is appreciated that whether or not the consumer 120 is able to obtain historic or actual ETo information for the irrigation site may depend at least in part on where the property is located. California and some other states provide daily and/or weekly information on ETo in printed media, over the Internet, and sometimes through radio and television broadcast. Other states do not provide any information on ETo at all. However, due to an increased interest in water conservation, more and more states are providing ETo data to the public. It may also be possible to obtain ETo data by referencing weather factors such as temperature and solar radiation, and then calculating or estimating ETo.

Figure 4 is a block diagram of what occurs when a water flow anomaly is detected by the microprocessor 220 during the operation of a preferred irrigation system. Water flow data is transmitted from the water meter 100 to the irrigation controller 200, where it is received by the microprocessor 220. The water flowing through the water meter 100 includes both irrigation water and non-irrigation water used at the property. The microprocessor 220 is programmed to differentiate the quantity of water used by each irrigation station from the non-irrigation water use. The microprocessor 220 is also programmed to detect water flow anomalies that may indicate that there are broken irrigation lines, broken sprinkler heads, or plugged sprinkler heads. In detecting flow anomalies, the microprocessor 220 compares current water flow data to normal water flow data stored in the memory 210. For example, if the normal five minute water flow for a station is 150 gallons and the actual water flow is 220 gallons, this would indicate that there may be an irrigation leak, such as; a broken irrigation line or a broken sprinkler head. If the actual five-minute water flow were 115 gallons, this would indicate that there might be a plugged sprinkler head. Low water flow could also be due to a loss of pressure in the irrigation line. Conversely, if the water pressure were higher than normal, then the flow of water would be higher than normal. Therefore, it may be advantageous to measure the water pressure while the irrigation system is operating.

When a water flow anomaly is detected the microprocessor 220 is programmed to generate a warning that is transmitted to the consumer and/or to third parties. The warning may be through any suitable means, including, for example, a flashing display, an alarm mechanism on the irrigation controller 200. In a preferred embodiment the microprocessor 220 is programmed to prevent operation of the irrigation system if the actual quantity of water used during a specified period of time is substantially above that which would normally be used during the period of time. If the water flow anomaly were only detected when one station was operating, then only that station valve 330 would be closed. However, if a flow anomaly were detected when several stations were operating, then the master valve 331 would be closed and water would not flow to any stations. After the irrigation system is checked and repaired, if needed, the irrigation system can be activated again.

Although, the previous paragraph discusses water flow anomalies, it is contemplated that corresponding systems and methods can be used for detecting gas and electricity flow anomalies. For example, when a gas flow anomaly is detected, the microprocessor 220 in the irrigation controller 200 can generate a warning that would be transmitted to the consumer 120 and/or third parties 130. Where gas usage is substantially higher than normal, the - microprocessor 220 can be programmed to turn off the gas at the property. In a similar manner, systems and methods described herein can be used to detect unusually high uses of electricity, which may assist consumers in conserving electricity.

Thus, specific embodiments and applications of utility meter reading systems have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A utility meter reading system comprising: a meter; an irrigation controller; and a data link between the meter and the irrigation controller.

2. The utility meter reading system of claim 1 , wherein the meter and the irrigation controller are installed at a residential site.

3. The utility meter reading system of claim 1 , wherein the data comprises raw data.

4. The utility meter reading system of claim 3, wherein the raw data is indicative of utility usage.

5. The utility meter reading system of claim 1, wherein the data is processed data.

6. The utility meter reading system of claim 5, wherein the processed data is indicative of utility usage.

7. The utility meter reading system of claim 1 , wherein the link is a hard wired connection between the meter and the irrigation controller.

8. The utility meter reading system of claim 1 , wherein the link is a wireless connection between the meter and the irrigation controller.

9. The utility meter reading system of claim 1, wherein the irrigation controller is at least partially operated by a microprocessor.

10. The utility meter reading system of claim 9, wherein the microprocessor is programmed to convert a set of data received across the data link to a quantity of a utility used during a time period.

11. The utility meter reading system of claim 10, wherein the time period is at least ten seconds.

12. The utility meter reading system of claim 9, wherein the microprocessor cooperates with a display that displays a real time utility usage information to the consumer.

13. The utility meter reading system of claim 9, wherein the microprocessor is programmed to send utility usage data to a third party.

14. The utility meter reading system of claim 9, wherein the microprocessor is programmed to detect a utility flow anomaly.

15. The utility meter reading system of claim 14, wherein the microprocessor is programmed to alert a consumer upon detecting the utility flow anomaly.

16. The utility meter reading system of claim 14, wherein the microprocessor is programmed to alert a third party upon detecting the utility flow anomaly.

17. The utility meter reading system of claim 1 , wherein the meter is a water meter for a property.

18. The utility meter reading system of claim 17, wherein the water meter is disposed along a conduit for all water used at the property.

19. The utility meter reading system of claim 17, wherein the microprocessor is programmed to determine a quantity of irrigation water used for a particular water using device at the property.

20. The utility meter reading system of claim 19, wherein the water using device comprises an irrigation station.

21. The utility meter reading system of claim 19 , wherein the microprocessor is programmed to generate real time water flow data regarding the water using device, and provide information regarding the real time water flow data to a consumer.

22. The utility meter reading system of claim 21, wherein the real time water flow data is used to calculate an application rate of an irrigation system at the property.

23. The utility meter reading system of claim 17, further comprising a water pressure sensor installed at the property for measuring the water pressure corresponding to the water flow data from the water meter, the microprocessor disposed in the irrigation controller receiving data from the water pressure sensor, and processing the data based on an inputted program.

AMENDED CLAIMS

[received by the International Bureau on 30 November 2000 (30.1 1.00); original claim 1 amended; original claim 9 cancelled; remaining claims unchanged (2 pages)]

1. A utility meter reading system comprising: a meter; an irrigation controller that is at least partially controlled by a microprocessor; and a data link between the meter and the irrigation controller.

2. The utility meter reading system of claim 1 , wherein the meter and the imgation controller are installed at a residential site.

5. The utility meter reading system of claim 1 , wherein the data is processed data.

9. The utility meter reading system of claim 1 , wherein the microprocessor is programmed to convert a set of data received across the data link to a quantity of a utility used during a time period.

10. The utility meter reading system of claim 9, wherein the time period is at least ten seconds.

11. The utility meter reading system of claim 1 , wherein the microprocessor cooperates with a display that displays a real time utility usage information to the consumer.

12. The utility meter reading system of claim 1 , wherein the microprocessor is programmed to send utility usage data to a third party.

13. The utility meter reading system of claim 1 , wherein the microprocessor is programmed to detect a utility flow anomaly.

14. The utility meter reading system of claim 13, wherein the microprocessor is programmed to alert a consumer upon detecting the utility flow anomaly.

15. The utility meter reading system of claim 13, wherein the microprocessor is programmed to alert a third party upon detecting the utility flow anomaly.

16. The utility meter reading system of claim 1 , wherein the meter is a water meter for a property.

17. The utility meter reading system of claim 16, wherein the water meter is disposed along a conduit for all water used at the property.

18. The utility meter reading system of claim 16, wherein the microprocessor is programmed to determine a quantity of irrigation water used for a particular water using device at the property.

19. The utility meter reading system of claim 18, wherein the water using device comprises an irrigation station.

20. The utility meter reading system of claim 18, wherein the microprocessor is programmed to generate real time water flow data regarding the water using device, and provide information regarding the real time water flow data to a consumer.

21. The utility meter reading system of claim 20, wherein the real time water flow data is used to calculate an application rate of an irrigation system at the property.

22. The utility meter reading system of claim 16, further comprising a water pressure sensor installed at the property for measuring the water pressure corresponding to the water flow data from the water meter, the microprocessor disposed in the irrigation controller receiving data from the water pressure sensor, and processing the data based on an inputted program.