Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02863942 2014-09-17
DEVICE AND METHODS FOR MONITORING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention is in the field of monitoring devices. More
specifically, the present invention is in the field of devices that plug into
the wall, monitor
environmental conditions, such as room temperature and presence of water, and
communicate with a third party when the environmental conditions pass a
predetermined
threshold level.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[002] When a home or business owner leaves the property for a significant
period of time, for example when the owner is on a holiday or during long
weekends, there
is a chance that certain environmental mishaps can damage the property. For
example, a
burst pipe can cause flooding, or a failed furnace in winter months can cause
the
temperatures inside the property to fall below freezing and damage the
interior. Similarly,
a malfunctioning air conditioning unit can result in very high temperatures
inside the
property, damaging plants, equipment, or pets that are left in the property.
[003] Currently, there are some alarm systems on the market that can
monitor
environmental conditions. However, these alarm systems involve a significantly
high
monthly fee and high installation costs. Therefore, a need exists for a cost
effective
monitoring device that can communicate with the absent property owner about
changes in
the environmental conditions inside their property.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[004] Disclosed herein are monitoring devices comprising a sensor or probe
for measuring an environmental condition inside a building, a display unit for
displaying
the level of the environmental condition, and a communication device that
transmits
information if the level of the environmental condition passes a predetermined
threshold
level.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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[005] FIG. 1 is the front view of an embodiment of the monitoring device
disclosed herein.
[006] FIG. 2 is the front view of an embodiment of the monitoring device
disclosed herein.
[007] FIG. 3 is the front view of an embodiment of the monitoring device
disclosed herein.
[008] FIG. 4 is the front view of an embodiment of the monitoring device
disclosed herein.
[009] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an embodiment of the monitoring device
disclosed herein.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of an embodiment of the temperature
monitoring device.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of an embodiment of the water
monitoring
device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0012] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular
embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used
herein, the
singular forms "a," "an," and -the" are intended to include the plural forms
as well, unless
the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, to the extent that the
terms
"including," -includes," -having," -has," -with," or variants thereof are used
in either the
detailed description and/or the claims, such terms are intended to be
inclusive in a manner
similar to the term "comprising."
[0013] Disclosed herein are monitoring devices that monitor one or more
environmental condition within an enclosure, for example, a home, a business,
a car garage,
a shed, a storage unit, and the like. When the environmental condition goes
over, or falls
below, a preset threshold level, the device sends an electronic notification,
such as an e-
mail, a text, a pre-recorded phone message, to a contact person, relaying the
change in the
environmental condition.
[0014] Thus, in one aspect, disclosed herein are monitoring devices
comprising
a sensor or probe for measuring an environmental condition inside an
enclosure, and a
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communication device that transmits information when the level of the
environmental
condition passes a predetermined threshold level.
[0015] In the context of the present disclosure, an "environmental
condition"
refers to a physical or chemical attribute of the environment. The physical
attributes
include, but are not limited to, temperature, color, phase of matter, and the
like. The
chemical attributes include the presence, absence, or the amount (e.g.,
concentration) of a
chemical within the environment. Thus, as examples of physical attributes, the
present
device can detect the air temperature, which can alert to the presence of
fire, or the failure
of a heater or air conditioner. The device can detect the color of the air,
which can alert to
the presence of smoke or other noxious gases. The device can detect the
presence of a
liquid, where only gaseous substances are expected, thereby alert to the
presence of
flooding. As examples of chemical attributes, the present device can detect
the presence
of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, dioxane, hydrogen sulfide, hydrocarbons,
water, and
the like.
[0016] -Sensor" means any device or entity capable of sensing an
environmental condition including, but not limited to, temperature, moisture
in the air,
airborne chemicals, and water on the floor. Sensors include, but are not
limited to, a
pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a
light sensor, a
gas sensor, an acceleration sensor, a chemical sensor (for example a
hydrocarbon sensor, a
carbon dioxide sensor, a dioxane sensor, a hydrogen sulfide sensor, a urea
sensor, and the
like), an electrical field distribution sensor, and an electrical field
penetration sensor.
[0017] In some embodiments, the disclosed devices comprise a display
unit for
displaying the level of the environmental condition.
[0018] In one embodiment, the sensor is configured to measure or sense
an
environmental condition, such as the air temperature or the presence of a
substance in the
air, for example water for measuring humidity, or the presence of a chemical.
In another
embodiment, the sensor is configured to determine the presence of water on the
floor.
Consequently, depending on what is being measured, in some embodiments
multiple
devices, each having one sensor, are used. Alternatively, a single device
comprises
multiple sensors to measure different environmental conditions.
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[0019] In one embodiment, the devices disclosed herein further comprise
a
control unit for programming the threshold level of the environmental
condition. In
another embodiment, the devices further comprise one or more extendable probes
that are
placed close to the floor, or on the floor, for detecting the presence of
water. In another
embodiment, multiple sensing probes are connected to the device, wherein one
such probe
is placed inside a refrigerator or freezer to monitor the temperature inside
the refrigerator
or freezer. The temperature probes inside the refrigerator or freezer monitors
if
temperature has risen above a set point or dropped below a set point. This
provides the
owner an early warning prior to food spoiling if the refrigerator or freezer
fails.
[0020] In some embodiment, the devices disclosed herein comprise a
communication unit. The communication unit operates similarly to a mobile
phone. In
some embodiments, the communication unit is a phone (operating similarly to a
mobile
phone) that is connected to the monitoring device. In some embodiments, the
presently
disclosed device comprises a phone jack for connection to a conventional phone
land line.
The device is then connected to a wall phone jack using a telephone cord, by
way of which,
the device is connected to the conventional land line phone system.
10021] When the environmental condition falls below, or goes over, a
preset
threshold limit, the monitoring device triggers the communication unit for a
message to be
sent. The message can be in the form of a text message, an e-mail, a Twitter
post, a pre-
recorded phone message, and the like. The user inputs the contact information
for the
intended recipient of the message into the communication unit. In some
embodiments, the
intended recipient is the property owner. In other embodiments, the intended
recipient is
an agent of the property owner who is tasked with overseeing the property in
the owner's
absence. In still other embodiments, the intended recipient is the emergency
services, for
example the police, the fire department, a 9-1-1 operator, or the insurance
company. In
one embodiment, the device uses wireless technology and a computer present in
the
building to send an email notification to predetermined email addresses. In
one
embodiment, the device uses wireless technology to send a text message
notification to
predetermined cell phones. In some embodiments, multiple intended recipients
receive the
notification.
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[0022] In certain embodiments, the device sends the notification for one
event
to one set of recipients, and sends the notification for another event to
another set of
recipients. For example, in case of measuring smoke and high temperatures in
the property,
the device notifies the fire department and the owner. But in case of the
presence of water
on the floor, the device notifies a plumber and the owner. In some
embodiments, the
notification is by way of an automatic text or phone call with alarm alerts.
[0023] In one embodiment, the device sends a notification if the
temperature
rises above a threshold level, or if the temperature falls below a threshold
level. This is
useful because it provides the homeowner with an early warning of certain
hazards. For
example, in one embodiment, during the winter months, in case of furnace or
heater failure,
the device can alert the homeowner or other responsible individual, for
example a caretaker
or neighbor, of the failure, which can elicit a timely response. This protects
pets, children,
the elderly, or the infirm, who are left alone, or the furniture or other
materials in the house
or building against exposure to dangerously low temperatures.
[0024] Similarly, in another embodiment, during the summer months or
when
air conditioning is necessary, in case of air conditioner failure, the device
can alert the
homeowner or other responsible individual of the failure, which can elicit a
timely
response. This protects pets, children, the elderly, or the infirm, who are
left alone, or the
furniture or other materials in the house or building against exposure to
dangerously high
temperatures.
[0025] Likewise, in another embodiment, if the temperature gets too high
in
case of fire, the device can alert the homeowner, the emergency service, the
local Fire
Department, or the insurance company.
[0026] Consequently, this device further minimizes the risk for
insurance
companies by providing an early alert, and thereby minimizing the amount of
damage that
can incur.
[0027] In some embodiments, the sensor probes are embedded within the
monitoring device. In other embodiments, the sensor probes are external to the
device, but
are connected directly to the device by wire. In still other embodiments, the
sensor probes
are external to the device, and send a wireless signal. The device receives
the wireless
signal and interprets the signal for the information it contains, which can be
the results of
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the measurement. In certain embodiments, the device sends a wireless signal to
the probes
to ensure that the probe is still in communication with the device. In other
embodiments,
the wireless signal from the probe also includes a status update for the
probe, for example
battery life or any electrical damage.
[0028] The technology for sending and receiving wireless information
between
the probe and the device is routine and is generally available to those of
ordinary skill in
the art.
[0029] In one embodiment disclosed herein, the device samples the
temperature
at specified time intervals, for example, every second, every minute, or every
hour.
[0030] In one embodiment, the device further comprises an LCD display
for
displaying the value of the measurement by the probe. In some embodiments, the
device
further comprises a power outlet in the front of the device so that other
utilities can be
plugged into the same power outlet at the same time. In one embodiment, the
device further
comprises battery backup in case of power outage. In one embodiment, the
device further
comprises sending a notification to the intended recipient when backup battery
life is low.
[0031] In one embodiment, the device connects to a wireless programmable
thermostat, allowing the user to monitor and adjust the thermostat remotely
using a mobile
application.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 1, system 100 is one embodiment of the
device
disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the system 100 connects to an electric
outlet 102.
In other embodiments, the system 100 is battery operated and does not connect
to an
electric outlet. In still other embodiments, the system 100 connects to an
electric outlet but
has a backup battery system. In some embodiments, for example that shown in
FIG. 1, an
LCD screen, 104, displays the measured environmental condition, for example
temperature
or humidity and the like. In certain embodiments, buttons 106 are used to
adjust the
threshold of the measured environmental condition. One button is used to raise
the
threshold while another button is used to lower the threshold.
[0033] In some embodiments, the buttons 106 are used to navigate through
menus that allow the user to program the system 100 for thresholds and for who
to contact.
For examples, the buttons 106 are used to enter a phone number that should be
called, enter
a text message that should be sent, operate the recording device for the pre-
recorded phone
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message to be sent, and the like. In some embodiments, instead of the buttons
106, the
system 100 comprises a touch screen system that allows the user to navigate
through
menus, much like the menus on a smart phone, to access the above parameters.
[0034] In some embodiments, the system 100 is configured to measure more
than one environmental condition. In these embodiments, buttons 108 are used
to toggle
between the different environmental conditions to set the threshold values
therefor. In
some embodiments, probes 110 and 112 are built into the system 100 for the
measurement
of one or more environmental condition. In some embodiments, the same probe
110
measures more than one environmental condition, whereas in other embodiments,
a single
probe 110 measures a single environmental condition. In one embodiment, the
probes
110,112 are hidden from view, whereas in other embodiments, the probes 110,112
are
visible. When the probes 110,112 are hidden from the view, in some embodiments
a
removable cover is used to hide the probes 110,112.
[0035] In some embodiments, for example those in which water level is
measured on the floor in case of flooding, the probes 110,112 are telescopic.
When the
device is not in use, the probes 110,112 are in their retracted position. In
some
embodiments, when the probes 110,112 are in the retracted position they are
hidden from
view under a cover. When the user desires to set the system 100, for example
prior to
leaving on vacation, the user extends the probes 110,112 until they reach to
the floor or
near to the floor. In their extended position, when water touches both probes
110 and 112,
the water itself closes an electrical circuit between the probes 110 and 112
and causes the
device to register an adverse event has occurred.
[0036] FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of the device 100 where the sensor
probes 202 are extended downwards. In some of these embodiments, the probes
extend
downwards to whatever height above the floor the homeowner desires. The sensor
can
then sense the environmental condition at a height shortly above the floor.
For example,
during flooding, the water level is at the ground level. In this case, the
water comes into
contact with the probes 202, thereby completing the circuit (for example that
shown in FIG.
7), and giving rise to a signal.
[0037] In some embodiments, the device comprises a smoke detector
feature,
or the device is in electronic communication with a smoke detector. When the
smoke
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detector detects smoke, the device is electronically alerted, which can then
send an alert as
discussed herein.
[0038] FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the device 100 with two dials
302,304
on each side of the device 100 for choosing a high threshold for the
environmental
condition and a low threshold for the environmental condition, respectively.
In some
embodiments, the probes 306 are hidden from view, while in other embodiments,
for
example that shown in FIG. 4, the probes extend down. In these embodiments,
the user
sets a high threshold and a low threshold, and the device activates an alert
when either of
these thresholds is surpassed. In one embodiment, an electric power outlet 308
is present
on the front of the device, so that another device can occupy the power outlet
at the same
time.
[0039] In one embodiment, the device looks similar to a carbon monoxide
detector with a LCD display, with buttons that allow a user to program the
device, and
metal probes at its base that extend downwards.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of the
mechanism by
which a device 100 disclosed herein senses an environmental condition and
sends a signal
to a recipient.
[0041] The flow chart provides a description of an embodiment of
temperature
and high water level detection. There are 3 main layers. The top layer is the
Power Supply
layer. The Middle Layer comprises two sub layers, referred to as the
Temperature Sensing
layer and the Water Sensing Layer. The bottom layer is the Signal Output
layer, which is
also broken down into two sub layers for output from each of the Middle
layers.
[0042] Top Layer has a main supply as the AC (alternating current)
source with
a DC (direct current) backup. The power then feeds to a step down transformer
and filter
combination. "Voltage Regulator A" provides power to the small circuit
elements of the
entire system, which include all amplifiers, comparators, transistors and
relays. -Voltage
Regulator B" provides power to the Temperature and Water Level sensors in the
system.
[0043] The middle layer is used to detect either temperature or water
level.
With the sensors activated the signal is then amplified and a comparator is
used to compare
a base signal to an activated signal. Once it detects a change in signal
output from the
sensors the signal then flows to the bottom layer.
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[0044] The bottom layer utilizes a transistor switch to control a relay
for a lamp,
LED or LCD monitor output. In addition it can also send a signal to a GSM
(Global System
for Mobile communications) device or an audible alarm generator.
[0045] FIG. 6 is a detailed circuit diagram, which shows one embodiment
of a
circuit used with a device 100.
[0046] The thermistor RTH1 is the element that senses the temperature of
the
environment as the resistance of the device changes with temperature. The
circuit uses two
NPN transistors that switch the alarm when a change in resistance (or
temperature) is
detected. The signal then goes to a combinational oscillator circuit comprised
of NAND
gates. The inherent time delay between the input and output is then used,
hence making
the NAND gate circuit work as an oscillator. The circuit then turns on and off
repeatedly
with a time delay operating as a square wave oscillator. The output of the
oscillator can be
sent to a speaker which operates at the audio frequency. The capacitors used
in the circuit
acts as filters to remove unwanted components of the signals and hence
ensuring stability
and proper operation. The output can also be sent from the NPN stage directly
to a GSM
device bypassing the oscillator circuit.
[0047] FIG. 7 is a detailed circuit diagram, which shows one embodiment
of a
circuit used with a device 100.
[0048] Using an IC (integrated circuit) Timer circuit the water level is
detected
and an alarm signal is sent to an output device of choice, as discussed above.
The circuit
uses the Timer in astable mode with R1, R2 and Cl. The frequency of operation
of the IC
Timer in astable mode depends of the values of R1, R2 and Cl. The values can
be adjusted
to achieve any desired frequency. This frequency will be the audio frequency
of the alarm
output.
[0049] The ends of R3 are connected to the pin-R of the IC Timer and the
ground disables the circuit by default. When the probe ends get dipped in
water as the water
level rises, for example in a flood situation, the circuit is enabled. The
probes shown in the
circuit are kept at a high level for the water (as high as is allowable). In
some embodiments,
the astable multivibrator in the circuit is disabled and is enabled only when
the probes touch
the water. In some embodiments, the distance between the probes is less than a
few
centimeters to ensure that the conduction between the probes takes place when
the probes
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touch water. When the water reaches the height of the probes the IC Timer
circuit becomes
enabled and the Timer produces a square wave circuit at the frequency as
determined by
R1, R2 and C1. This output can then be sent to a speaker or GSM device etc.
[0050] In one embodiment, the device sends an alarm notification, and
gives an
output such as an audible alarm, communication with a mobile device, or a
phone call to a
service company. In one embodiment, the device 100 sends another notification
when the
problem with the environmental condition is restored.
[0051] In some embodiments, the device comprises a microphone and a
recorder that allows the user to record a message that is sent to a service
company as a pre-
recorded message as part of the communication with the service company. In
other
embodiments, the device comprises a series of pre-recorded, factory installed,
messages.
The user can choose the particular message the user would like to be sent to
the service
company.
[0052] While the present disclosure has been described and illustrated
herein,
it is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary
only, with the
true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following
claims.
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