Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an alert system for detecting atypical water use of a monitored user. The invention also relates to a method of detecting atypical water use of a monitored user. The invention further relates to the use of an alert system to detect atypical water use of a monitored user.

Background to the Invention

In the case of an accident or emergency, there is a risk that vulnerable persons may be unable to seek help, especially when the vulnerable person is living alone. For example, an elderly person may fall and be unable to call out for help or access a phone to contact someone to assist them. As such, it is a concern for relatives, friends and carers that an emergency or incident may go undetected. The delay in receiving help can be traumatic and life threatening in some instances. With many relatives and carers unable to provide continuous, in-person welfare monitoring, remote monitoring offers peace of mind.

Such emergencies or incidents often lead to a period of no occupant activity in the property, as the vulnerable person is unable to undertake their daily activities. As such, periods of no water use or prolonged water use can be an indicator that the occupant requires assistance or that emergency help is needed. Additionally, monitoring prolonged water usage of the occupant can assist in preventing water damage to the property and unintended water wastage.

In this way, there is a need for a means to remotely monitor the water usage of a vulnerable person and detect atypical water use such that relatives, friends or emergency care providers are automatically alerted and a prompt response to emergencies can be provided.

Objects and aspects of the present claimed invention seek to alleviate at least these problems with the prior art. Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an alert system for detecting atypical water use of a monitored user, the alert system comprising: a sensor unit for detecting at least one characteristic of a water flow; a monitoring unit for monitoring the period since detection of the at least one characteristic of the water flow; and an alert mechanism for issuing an alert; wherein the alert mechanism is configured to issue an alert if the period is outside a desired range.

In this way, there is provided an alert system for detecting abnormal or unexpected activity of a monitored user and issuing an alert such that third parties, such as relatives or carers, can remotely monitor their welfare. In particular, such a system provides early warning of potential incident or emergency, allowing a prompt response to be actioned. The alert system provides non-intrusive care monitoring, in particular for elderly or vulnerable persons. As an alert is issued automatically, action from the monitored user is not required.

Preferably, the at least one characteristic of the water flow is the presence of a water flow velocity. In this way, the time since water flow was last detected can be monitored. As such, the alert system can detect periods of no water flow activity when activity is expected. Preferably, the at least one characteristic of the water flow is the absence of a water flow velocity. In this way, the time since no water flow was last detected can be monitored. As such, the alert system can detect periods of water flow activity when no activity or lesser continuous activity is expected. In this way, the alert system indirectly monitors the welfare of the monitored user.

Preferably, the alert comprises issuing a notification to at least one remote user. In this way, at least one third party, such as a relative or carer, is notified when atypical water use is detected.

Preferably, the desired range is predetermined by at least one remote user. In this way, ‘atypical use’ is defined by at least one remote user and the desired range reflects the monitored user’s typical activity levels. Additionally, periods of expected ‘atypical’ water use, such as continuous zero water use when the monitored user is asleep, can be accounted for in the predetermined range. Further, the predetermined range can account for periods of expected water use, such as the monitored user taking a shower in the morning or using the kettle at midday.

Alternatively, the desired range is predetermined by a calendar. In this way, the issuance of an alert during periods when atypical use is expected can be avoided, such as when the monitored user is asleep, away from their property or non-active. Further, when a remote user or other care provider is with the monitored user, in-person monitoring occurs and the issuance of an alert is not required. For example, sleep patterns, weekly engagements, holidays, hospital stays, respite care or when a visitor is staying with the monitored user can be accounted for in the desired range. In this way, the likelihood of false alarms, namely the issuance of an alert when there is no emergency, is reduced.

Preferably, the sensor unit is configured to, in use, monitor the at least one characteristic of the water flow as the water flow enters a building. In this way, all water use of the monitored user in their property is monitored by the alert system. As all the property’s water use is monitored, all the monitored user’s activity is monitored improving the ease at which atypical activity can be detected.

Preferably, the sensor unit comprises a plurality of sensors. In this way, multiple water flow characteristics can be detected by the sensor unit. Additionally, risk of false detection or failed detection of the at least one characteristic of the water flow is reduced with multiple sensors improving identification of faulty or damaged sensors. Preferably, sensors within the plurality of sensors are located at a plurality of locations. In this way, water use of a plurality of plumbed appliances, faucets or water inlets can be monitored. In some shared properties, such as flats, it may not be feasible or possible to monitor only the monitored user via water flow at the property’s water inlet. As such, a plurality of sensors can be employed, for example a sensor to detect at least one water flow characteristic to each of the monitored user’s kettle, washing machine, toilet flush and shower. Preferably, the alert mechanism is configured to issue a plurality of distinct alerts. Preferably, the alert mechanism is configured to issue each distinct alert of the plurality of distinct alerts if the period is outside a distinct desired range. In this way, each alert issued is related to a distinct period since detection of the at least one characteristic of the water flow. As such, features of each distinct alert, such as the content and recipient/s, can be programmed according to each distinct desired range and appropriate response can be taken depending on the period since last detection. Preferably, the plurality of distinct alerts are ranked. In this way, the alert issued is proportional to the period elapsed.

Preferably, the alert mechanism is configured to issue at least one distinct alert of the plurality of distinct alerts to an emergency service. In this way, medical or other emergency assistance can be directly alerted if the welfare of the monitored user is considered critical or at risk.

Preferably, the monitoring system is configured for remote monitoring of the period since detection of the at least one characteristic of water flow. In this way, remote users can monitor the period since detection prior to the issuing of an alert, allowing for continuous remote monitoring of the monitored user’s welfare.

Preferably, the alert mechanism is configured to issue a notification to a user prior to issuing an alert, such that the user can block the issuance of the alert. In this way, a user can block the issuance of the alert if it is a false alarm or if the welfare of the monitored user is not compromised. For example, if there is no emergency and the remote user is assured of the welfare of the monitored user then a false alarm can be prevented. Preferably, the user is the monitored user. In this way, if there is no emergency, the monitored user can manually prevent the alert system from issuing the alert, preventing the false alarm and providing increased confidence in their welfare.

Preferably, the alert mechanism comprises a no alert mode. In this way, regardless of detected water use, the alert system does not issue an alert and false alarms can be prevented. Additionally, the no alert mode can be used for periods wherein the welfare of the monitored user cannot be monitored by water use, such as overnight or when they are away from the property at scheduled events, meetings or other engagements. Additionally, if the monitored user changes schedule or leaves the property unexpectedly for an extended period, the no alert mode can be activated to prevent the issuance of a false alarm.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of detecting atypical water use of a monitored user, the method comprising the steps of; providing the alert system of the first aspect of the invention; monitoring the water use of a monitored user; and issuing an alert when atypical water use is detected. In this way, there is provided a method for non-intrusive and remote monitoring of the water use of a monitored user, such that indirect monitoring of their welfare occurs.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided use of the alert system of the first aspect of the invention to detect atypical water use of a monitored user.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 depicts a schematic view of an alert system in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention; and

Figure 2 depicts a schematic view of a second embodiment of the alert system of Figure 1 , in use.

With reference to Figure 1 , there is illustrated an alert system 100 for detecting atypical water use of a monitored user. The alert system 100 comprises a sensor unit 101 for detecting at least one characteristic of a water flow and a monitoring unit 102 for monitoring the period since detection of the at least one characteristic of the water flow. The alert system 100, in use, allows a remote user, such as a relative or care provider, to non-intrusively and remotely monitor the welfare of a vulnerable person, such as an elderly person, a person with disabilities, a person with reduced mobility or a person suffering with memory loss, such as from dementia. In particular, the alert system 100 can be employed wherein the monitored user is living alone and/or living in a remote area. Atypical water use of the monitored user is a welfare indicator and the alert system 100 acts as a warning system, alerting the remote user if ‘no occupant activity’, namely no water use, has occurred in a period when normal activity is expected. Atypical water use may indicate that the monitored user is not undergoing normal activities because they are unwell or injured and have been unable to call for help. The remote user is automatically alerted if atypical water use is detected, such that the response time for the remote user to act in a potential emergency can be reduced and no input from the monitored user is required.

The sensor unit 101 comprises a sensor for detecting at least one characteristic of a water flow. In this embodiment, the sensor detects the presence of a water flow velocity and the sensor unit 101 is located at the water flow inlet to the monitored user’s property. In this way, the sensor unit 101 is configured to, in use, monitor the presence of a water flow velocity as the water flow enters the property.

By detecting the presence of a water flow velocity into the monitored user’s property, the alert system 100 can monitor the period since the last detection of a water flow velocity and thus the period since the monitored user’s last water use. It is expected that when the monitored user is in the property, they will undertake activities requiring water flow to the property, such as using the tap, flushing the toilet, taking a shower and using appliances such as the washing machine. If the monitored user is unable to undertake these activities, it is an indication that the monitored user may need emergency help or assistance. As such, by monitoring the period since water flow activity was last detected, the remote user is able to monitor the welfare of the monitored user.

The sensor unit 101 and monitoring unit 102 communicate such that data can be transferred from the sensor unit 101 to the monitoring unit 102. In this embodiment, the monitoring unit 102 is located in the monitored user’s property, remote from the sensor unit 101 , such that it can be accessed by a user. The monitoring unit 102 comprises a microcontroller 104, a user interface 105, a display screen 106, a communication module 107 and a power supply 108.

The communication module 107 of the monitoring unit 102 communicates with the sensor unit 101 to receive sensor data. For example, the monitored user may turn on their shower, demanding water to flow into the property. The sensor unit 101 detects the presence of a water flow velocity and this data is transmitted to the communication module 107 of the monitoring unit 102. Data is then transmitted from the communication module 107 to the microcontroller 104. The communication module 107 and the microcontroller 104 communicate via a communication protocol, such as universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (LIART), such that the communication module 107 and microcontroller 104 both transmit and receive data. The sensor data is then stored and processed by the microcontroller 104. In some embodiments, it is envisaged that the monitoring unit 102 comprises remote data storage such that the microcontroller 104 transmits data from the monitoring unit 102 to remote data storage, such as cloud storage.

The microcontroller 104 uses the data from the sensor unit 101 to monitor the period since detection of the presence of a water flow velocity. For example, when the monitored user turns off the shower, the sensor no longer detects a water flow velocity and the monitoring unit 102 monitors the period until a water flow velocity is again detected. The alert system 100 further comprises an alert mechanism configured to issue an alert if the period is outside a desired range. In this embodiment, the alert mechanism comprises the microcontroller 104 and the communication module 107.

The desired range is predetermined by a remote user. In this way, periods of expected zero water use are accounted for in the desired range. For example, if the monitored user has weekly engagements on a Monday morning and Wednesday afternoon then it is expected that there will be zero water flow to the property during these times. Additionally, if the monitored user is typically non-active or asleep between 9pm and 6am then zero water use is also expected in this overnight period. As such, any issuance of an alarm during these periods would likely be a false alarm. Additionally, if the monitored user typically uses the kettle when they wake up, the desired range can be programmed to account for this expected water use. For example, the remote user may become concerned if no water use is detected by 8am as this indicates that the monitored user has not undertaken their typical activities. By predetermining the desired range, the likelihood of missed or false alarms is reduced.

It is envisaged that in many embodiments the desired range is predetermined by a combination of the monitored user, at least one remote user and/or a calendar. In this way, the desired range is educated by a plurality of sources and accurately reflects the expected activity and water use of the monitored user, reducing the likelihood of missed alarms or false alarms. Additionally, the alert mechanism comprises a no alert mode wherein no alarm is issued regardless of detected water use. As such, if for any unscheduled reason the monitored user leaves the property for an extended period, the no alert mode can be activated to prevent the issuance of a false alarm.

A user can predetermine and modify the desired range directly via the user interface 105 and a display screen 106 of the monitoring unit 102. It is envisaged that the user interface 105 comprises a keypad or keyboard, such as a 4x4 keypad, a wireless device or any other suitable interface for programming the alert system 100. Additionally, the display screen 106 may comprise the user interface 105, for example an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) with a touch screen interface. In this way, the monitored user or a remote user can set up, program and control the alert system 100 from inside the monitored user’s property. The microcontroller 104 transmits data to the display screen 106, for example via 4-bit mode.

The alert mechanism is arranged to issue an alert to a remote user device 103 with the alert comprising issuing a notification to at least one remote user. In this way at least one third party responsible for the supervision or welfare of the monitored user, such as a family member, friend, neighbour, carer, supervisor, emergency service or other emergency help line, receives an alert. In this way, the alert system 100 comprises a modifiable database of remote user contact details, such as phone numbers, provided by at least one remote user. The communication module 107 comprises a general packet radio service (GPRS) module such as a global system for mobile communication (GSM) module. In this way, the communication module 107 has SMS (short message service) and call capabilities. The communication module 107 is configured to communicate with a remote user device 103, such as a mobile phone, landline phone, smartphone, tablet, pager device or computer. When an alert is issued, the remote user is notified via the remote user device 103 through an alert notification such as a digital message or call. On receipt of the alert, the remote user can respond accordingly, such as by calling the monitored user, visiting the monitored user’s property or contacting a neighbour to check on the monitored user.

The monitoring system 102 is also configured for remote monitoring of the period since detection of the at least one characteristic of water flow. In this way, users can remotely monitor the welfare of the monitored user prior to the issuing of an alert, providing additional reassurance. Remote monitoring also allows the remote user, at any time and in any location, to check the water use of the monitored user prior to the issuing of an alert, allowing response to a potential emergency to occur sooner than an alert is issued. For example, the remote user may notice that no water use has been detected for a period and may act on this prior to receipt of an alert notification. Additionally, the remote user can remotely program the alert system 100 such as by downloading an application or software to the remote user device 103 to monitor the water use of the monitored user. Additionally, the monitoring unit 102 can be configured to communicate with the application or software such that the communication module 107 communicates with the application to issue notification of an alert.

The monitoring unit 102 further comprises a power supply 108 for supplying power to the monitoring unit 102. The power supply comprises both a primary mains power supply and a backup battery power supply. The power supply 108 can comprise any suitable power means, however supplying a continuous source of power to the alert system 100, reduces the risk of accidental power loss to the system 100. As such, a backup power source is beneficial to ensure the alert system 100 can function continuously. As such, there is provided an alert system 100 for non-intrusive monitoring of water use and, indirectly, the welfare of vulnerable or elderly persons. The alert system 100 provides early warning of potential incident or emergency, allowing a prompt response to be actioned. As an alert is issued automatically, action from the monitored user is not required. Additionally, the remote user is able to program and control the alert system 100 independently of the monitored user, such that the alert system 100 function is not reduced when monitoring users with minimal digital and technology skills. In this way, an alert system 100 that is simple to install, easy to maintain and is hassle free for the monitored user is provided.

With reference to Figure 2 there is provided an alert system 200 comprising a sensor unit 201 and a monitoring unit 202 for detecting atypical water use of a monitored user 205. The composition and function of the alert system 200 of Figure 2 is similar to that of the alert system 100 of Figure 1 .

The sensor unit 201 is located at the water flow switch 204 of a property 206 of the monitored user 205. Water from a water supply 203 enters the property 206 via the water flow switch 204. As such, all water use in the property 206 is monitored by the alert system 200.

The sensor unit 201 comprises a first sensor for detecting the presence of a water flow velocity and a second sensor for detecting a second characteristic of water flow, the absence of a water flow velocity. In this way, the period since no water flow was last detected can be monitored by the system 200 as well as the period since last water flow detection. If there has been an unusually long period of continuous water flow, this water usage may not be intended. This can indicate a problem with the property 206 or that the monitored user 205 requires assistance. For example, the monitored user 205 may have fallen in the bathroom and consequently been unable to turn off the shower and seek help. Alternatively, there may be a broken appliance or burst pipe at the property 206 which has gone undetected. Alternatively, the monitored user 205 may have forgotten to turn off a tap and has not noticed, risking damage to the property 206 as well as unnecessary water wastage. By alerting a remote user of atypical, prolonged periods of water usage, the response time for the remote user to act in a potential emergency can be reduced, additionally reducing the risk of flooding or water wastage at the property 206.

In this embodiment, the alert mechanism is configured to issue four distinct alerts; a green alert 207, an amber alert 208, a red alert 209 and a flood alert 210. The alert mechanism is configured to issue each distinct alert if the period since detection of the at least one characteristic of the water flow is outside a distinct desired range.

For example, the alert system 200 can be programed such that the green alert 207 is issued after 1 hour of no occupant activity, the amber alert 208 is issued after 2 hours of no occupant activity and the red alert 209 is issued after 3 hours of no occupant activity. In this way, the green alert 207, amber alert 208 and red alert 209 are ranked alerts depending on the likelihood and potential severity of an emergency. If the period since detection of the presence of a water flow velocity exceeds 1 hour, notification of a green alert 207 is issued to a remote user A 211 . If the period since detection of the presence of a water flow velocity exceeds 2 hours, notification of an amber alert 208 is issued to remote user A 211 and a remote user B 212. If the period since detection of the presence of a water flow velocity exceeds 3 hours, notification of a red alert 209 is issued to a remote user C 213. In this way, the elapsed time of atypical water use is an indicator of the potential elapsed time that the monitored user 205 has been in an emergency.

The remote users 211 , 212, 213 may be any suitable third party responsible for the welfare of the monitored user 205. However, in particular remote user A 211 may be a neighbour, the next of kin and/or another immediate supervisor of the monitored user 205. In this way, someone located close to the property 206 or someone who is in regular contact with the monitored user 205 receives and can consequently respond to the first and lowest ranked alert, such as by calling or visiting the monitored user 205. If the monitored user 205 answers the call and confirms that there is no emergency, further action is not required from remote user A 211 . If the monitored user 205 cannot be contacted, remote user A 211 may visit the property to check on the welfare of the monitored user 205. Alternatively, the green alert 207 may be considered an early warning alert such that remote user A 211 takes no action unless issued with a proceeding amber alert 208.

As the risk of potential emergency increases, an increased number of users are notified. Remote user B 212 may be a community nurse, carer or a secondary relative. Upon receipt of an amber alert 208, both remote user A 211 and Remote user B 212 are prompted to check the welfare of the monitored user 205.

In this embodiment, remote user C 213 is an emergency service, namely the emergency medical services. In this way, medical personal are automatically notified and can respond to a red alert 209 when the risk of emergency is considered high or critical. In this way, alert notification is ranked based on the potential welfare of the monitored user 205 and unnecessary attendance of remote users to the property is reduced.

The flood alert 210 is issued when the period since the second sensor has detected the absence of a water flow velocity is outside a desired range. For example, the monitored user 205 may be expected to continuously use water for a period of no longer than 1 hour at any one time. When the period since no water flow exceeds 1 hour, remote user A 211 is issued with a flood alert 210. This provides a warning to the remote user A 211 that there may be a risk of flooding at the property 205 if, for example, the monitored user has forgotten to or is unable to switch off a faucet. As such, remote user A 211 is prompted to check up on cause for the atypical water use. In some instances, remote user A 211 may be a janitor, building manager or plumber who can visit the property 206 and check for potential water damage, such as from a burst pipe.

For periods when prolonged continuous water use is expected and comprises typical water use, such as use of a garden hose to water the garden overnight, the desired range can be programmed to account for this. Additionally, a further sensor can be situated after the mains plumbing point junction supplying the garden tap such that the sensor unit 201 detects a characteristic of a water flow at this junction. In this way, the monitoring unit 202 can determine whether the cause of atypical water use is from the garden tap or if there may be an emergency. The alert system 200 allows a user to predetermine which remote user device will be issued with each alert. Additionally or alternatively, the monitoring system 202 can determine which remote user is issued with an alert. For example, remote user A 211 , remote user B 212 and remote user C 213 may be chosen from a pool of remote users dependent on the location of each remote user and/or on a calendar. For example, remote user A 211 may be chosen as the remote user closest to the property 206 at the time, or during the hours of 9am to 5pm remote user B 212 is preferred over remote user A 211 due to the remote user A’s 211 work commitments. Additionally, the digital message or choice of notification type can be predetermined depending on the at least one remote user’s preferences. For example, a digital message may be pre-recorded for each distinct alert or the monitoring unit 202 is programmed to only issue SMS alerts to each remote user device. In this way, the alert system 100 comprises a modifiable database of alert notifications, such as text or voice messages, provided by at least one user or from a default database.

Additionally, a remote user or the monitored user 205 may reset the monitored period of the alert system 200. For example, if a remote user checks the welfare of the monitored user 205 and is satisfied that there is no emergency following issuance of an alert, the remote user can reset the period since last detection of the water flow characteristic to zero, preventing the proceeding issuance of a higher alert.

The alert mechanism is also configured to issue a notification to the monitored user 205 prior to issuing an alert, such that the monitored user 205 can block the issuance of the alert. In this way, the monitored user 205 can prevent false alarms from being issued by the alert system 200 when the welfare of the monitored user 205 is not compromised.

It is further envisaged that in some embodiments the sensor unit may comprise a plurality of sensors located at a plurality of locations at the monitored user’s property. In embodiments wherein the sensor unit 101 comprises a plurality of sensors, a plurality of characteristics of water flow can be detected. Additionally, identification of damaged or faulty sensors is improved, reducing the likelihood of false alarms. Further, the level of control that the monitored user possesses over the alert system can be chosen dependent on the monitored user’s characteristics, such as their health and technology skills. In this way, the alert system can benefit from functioning independently of monitored user input or improved function can be provided by the monitored user’s input. The alert system may issue greater or fewer distinct alerts and greater or fewer remote users may be issued with said alerts than in the embodiments described herein.